‘John Vuli Gate’ hitmakers allegedly kidnapped in Ethiopia
Mapara A Jazz members Mano “Man Malaya” Nephawe and Leonard “Lenny” Malatji are back in South Africa after what appears to have been a terrifying ordeal in Ethiopia.
The popular Tshwane-based duo, known for their hit John Vuli Gate, were reportedly kidnapped while in Addis Ababa for a music gig.
The musicians had travelled to perform at the Ade Music Fest, held at the Kana Warehouse on October 25.
However, things took a frightening turn over the weekend when they vanished after a night out.
Early on Sunday, October 27, they shocked fans with a distressing post on social media that read: “Can someone help us? We are kidnapped in Ethiopia.”
Hours later, the duo returned online with an update that brought relief to their supporters: “We’re finally home! We’re grateful to say that we are safely back home. We want to sincerely thank everyone who showed us love, concern, and support during this difficult time, from both Ethiopia and South Africa.”
While Nephawe was reportedly beaten during the incident, the pair did not go into detail about what exactly happened. Since their return, they’ve maintained silence, possibly still processing the ordeal.
South Africa’s Head of Public Diplomacy, Clayson Monyela, told Sunday World that the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) only learned about the alleged kidnapping through social media posts.
“The matter was not reported to DIRCO. We were made aware of it on posts on social media. Then we jumped to try and make contact with the embassy. When we reached out, there was no case of a kidnapping that had been reported,” Monyela explained.
He added that once officials confirmed the duo’s safe return to South Africa, the case fell under the jurisdiction of local police.
“Because they are home safe, the matter now becomes a SAPS matter. Police and legal authorities will meet with the musicians to investigate and find out what happened,” he said.
Monyela further clarified that had the artists still been held captive in Ethiopia, the South African Embassy would have intervened directly.
For now, fans are simply relieved that Mapara A Jazz made it home safely after what seems to have been a harrowing experience abroad.