Internet reacts to Durban hairstylist’s hospitalisation after assault and burn wounds

Posted on January 13, 2026
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PICTURE: INSTAGRAM/ SNENHLANHLA MTHEMBU

Social media has proven to be a powerful tool once more, following the viral images displaying bruises of domestic violence which led to an arrest of the perpetrator.

A popular Durban hairstylist and founder of Nenezane’s Hair Studios, Sinenhlanhla Neneza Mthembu, recently cried for help on social media, revealing that she has endured domestic violence and abuse from her partner, Andile Junior.

Sinenhlanhla shared that she has had to hide her bruises and sometimes had to lie about them to her clients. She revealed that she has endured physical assault from Andile silently for a long time. She tried several times to open a case against Andile. However, she alleged that his father bribes police officers.

Her plea for help reached many people and subsequently caught the attention of police in KwaZulu-Natal. Hardly 48 hours later, police have arrested a 24-year-old suspect in connection with the alleged assault of his 31-year-old girlfriend and maliciously damaging her vehicle during a domestic violence related incident at V Section in Umlazi on Friday.

Sinenhlanhla is currently in hospital due to burn wounds which she allegedly suffered when she was setting alight her boyfriend’s car which she burnt to ashes. Once discharged from hospital, she will face counter charges of assault and malicious damage to property, reported Crime Watch SA.

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Also see: Being Her Safe Place: How South Africans Can Support Women Living With Abuse