Share

Brickz 'did not kill anyone' - promoter responds to outrage over rape-convicted kwaito star's performance

The promoter of the Mzansi Kwaito House Music Awards is defending a decision to have convicted rapist Sipho "Brickz" Ndlovu perform on Friday night at the Soweto Theatre, following outrage on social media.

Thulani Malinga maintains that his decision is purely about the music.

"What did Brickz do? He did not kill anyone. He is out of jail and received bail. Who am I to say he is guilty?" Malinga told News24.

Ndlovu was found guilty of raping his 17-year-old niece at his home in Ruimsig, Mogale City, in November 2013, and was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment.

READ: Brickz sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for raping niece

The kwaito star is currently out on R80 000 bail while he appeals his conviction.

READ: Brickz granted R80k bail pending appeal against rape conviction

Malinga says the performance is a means for Ndlovu to pay off his debt, as he owes the promoter an undisclosed amount of money.

"Last year Brickz was supposed to perform for us but it was delayed by the trial. People must understand we are taking Brickz the musician, not the person. This is not personal," Malinga explained.

Malinga believes that the appeal suggests there are prospects that the court may decide otherwise and overturn the kwaito star's conviction. If this is the case, Malinga says he will continue his business relationship with the musician, which began in 2015.

Friday's music event comes just days after the #TotalShutdown marches in which scores of women around the country called for an end to gender-based violence.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Do you think corruption-accused National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula will survive a motion of no confidence against her?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
No, her days are numbered
41% - 502 votes
Yes, the ANC caucus will protect her
59% - 715 votes
Vote
Rand - Dollar
18.90
+0.2%
Rand - Pound
23.86
+0.2%
Rand - Euro
20.37
+0.3%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.31
+0.2%
Rand - Yen
0.12
+0.2%
Platinum
908.05
0.0%
Palladium
1,014.94
0.0%
Gold
2,232.75
-0.0%
Silver
24.95
-0.1%
Brent Crude
87.00
+1.8%
Top 40
68,346
0.0%
All Share
74,536
0.0%
Resource 10
57,251
0.0%
Industrial 25
103,936
0.0%
Financial 15
16,502
0.0%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE