Zimbabwe Republic Police Confirms Readiness To Hand Over Malloti To South Africa

By Staff Reporter

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed it is prepared to facilitate the handover of controversial musician and social media personality **Millicent Tsitsi Chimonyo**, popularly known as Malloti, to South African authorities over an armed robbery case dating back to 2017.

The announcement was made on 18 February 2026 following a formal extradition request from South Africa, where a warrant of arrest was issued nearly nine years ago.

Warrant Issued In 2017 Armed Robbery Case

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), a warrant of arrest was issued by the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court in Cape Town for an accused identified as **Namatai Bhobho**, a name authorities believe Malloti used while residing in South Africa.

Western Cape SAPS spokesperson Captain F.C. Van Wyk confirmed that:

> “The accused is wanted on a case of robbery with a firearm after a warrant of arrest was issued for her in Wynberg court. The case was removed from the court roll until she is traced and arrested.”

The case is linked to a Rondebosch incident registered in November 2017 under case number CAS 78/11/2017. The docket is currently with the Director of Public Prosecutions after police received intelligence that the suspect is believed to be living in Zimbabwe.

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## Cross-Border Legal Pressure Mounts

The matter has gained renewed urgency amid increased cooperation between Harare and Pretoria. Zimbabwe recently requested South Africa to extradite suspects linked to the US$4 million Ecobank heist in Bulawayo, including the Vumbunu brothers who were arrested across the border.

This reciprocal legal engagement appears to have accelerated action in the Malloti matter.

Authorities are expected to invoke existing extradition agreements between the two countries, potentially involving Interpol mechanisms such as a Red Notice.

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## Ex-Interpol Ambassador Weighs In

Retired Interpol ambassador and security strategist **Andy Mashaile** has publicly backed the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) under its newly appointed National Director of Public Prosecutions, Andy Mothibi.

Speaking in Pretoria, Mashaile said the legal machinery would act decisively:

> “I am fully aware that there is an extradition agreement or treaty between South Africa and Zimbabwe, and therefore all stops must be pulled out until Millicent Tsitsi Chimonyo or Namatai Bhobho as she called herself in the Western Cape is brought to justice.”

He added that law enforcement institutions must ensure “the rule of law in the SADC region prevails,” describing Malloti as someone who had benefited from slow judicial processes.

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## Living “In Plain Sight”

Zimbabwean investigative journalist **Maynard Manyowa**, publisher of DugUp online, said the situation was unusual.

> “Fugitives tend to hide. This one was in plain sight. Living as a celebrity,” he said.

Despite the serious allegations, Malloti has remained active on social media, recently posting videos counting cash and dismissing her critics.

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## What Happens Next?

With the ZRP now formally expressing readiness to cooperate, the process moves into formal diplomatic and prosecutorial channels between:

* The Zimbabwe Republic Police
* The South African Police Service
* The National Prosecuting Authority

If the extradition request is approved and executed, Malloti could be transferred to South Africa to stand trial on charges that reportedly carry a potential sentence of up to 20 years if convicted.

The ZRP’s confirmation signals that, after nearly a decade on the run, the legal net may finally be tightening around the embattled socialite.