In an IOL exclusive, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) on Thursday confirmed that it has contacted Interpol to trace the fugitive wanted in a 2017 Western Cape armed robbery case linked to Zimbabwean musician Malloti, with an extradition request set to follow.
Interpol (International Criminal Police Organization) is a global law enforcement body that facilitates cooperation among police from different countries.
The NPA in Western Cape told IOL that it has contacted Interpol to establish the whereabouts of the fugitive wanted in connection with a 2017 Western Cape armed robbery case, as South Africa moves to extradite Zimbabwean musician Malloti.
Eric Ntabazalila, spokesperson for the NPA in the Western Cape, said the prosecuting authority has received the docket and initiated the international tracing process.
“The NPA can confirm receipt of the docket. However, the whereabouts of the fugitive have not been established,” Ntabazalila said.
“The office of the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions) has contacted Interpol to establish the whereabouts of the fugitive and extradition request will then be drafted.”
The development marks a significant escalation in the matter, which dates back to 2017.
Warrant issued in Wynberg court
Earlier this week, the South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed to IOL that a warrant of arrest was issued in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court for an accused identified as Namatai Bhobho on a charge of robbery with a firearm.
Western Cape SAPS spokesperson Captain F.C. Van Wyk said the case was removed from the court roll pending the arrest of the accused.
“The accused is wanted on a case of robbery with 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,” Van Wyk said.
Documents seen by IOL link the matter to Rondebosch case number CAS 78/11/2017.
Authorities have not disclosed further details regarding the circumstances of the alleged robbery.
Identity discrepancy
The SAPS warrant identifies the accused as Namatai Bhobho.
However, Zimbabwean state media, including The Herald, has previously identified the musician Malloti by her real name, Millicent Chimonyo, in separate court proceedings in Harare.
SAPS confirmed to IOL that Namatai Bhobho is the name appearing on the South African warrant. Authorities have not publicly clarified whether the two names refer to the same individual.
Malloti, a Zimbabwean national who previously lived in South Africa before returning to Zimbabwe, maintains an active public profile as a dancehall performer and social media personality. She has publicly spoken during in interviews that she is a fugitive from South Africa in connection with cases of armed robbery.
Previous legal controversies in Zimbabwe
Malloti has also appeared in Zimbabwean courts in separate matters.
In a report published by The Herald, the musician — identified as Millicent Chimonyo — appeared before a Harare magistrate in an unrelated case and was granted bail.
She was also involved in a widely publicised dispute with controversial cleric Passion Java, which resulted in legal proceedings and public exchanges.
Separately, H-Metro previously carried a front-page report linking Malloti to controversy surrounding the alleged consumption of BronCleer, a banned cough mixture often abused recreationally.
While the NPA has confirmed that the current process relates specifically to the Western Cape armed robbery case, Malloti’s prior legal disputes have kept her in the public spotlight in Zimbabwe.
Extradition process under way
With Interpol now engaged, the matter has formally entered the international tracing stage.
If the fugitive is located, the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in South Africa will draft an extradition request to the country hosting the fugitive.
Under extradition arrangements between South Africa and Zimbabwe, courts in the requested country would determine whether the accused is returned to South Africa to face the armed robbery charge.
Hiding in plain sight
Earlier this week, IOL spoke to Zimbabwean international investigative journalist Maynard Manyowa, who publishes DugUp online, and he said Malloti has been hiding in plain sight.
“We couldn’t believe it when we first found out. We couldn’t believe it at all. Fugitives tend to hide. This one was in plain sight. Living as a celebrity. It’s why we then asked various authoritative figures. And while each of them said they were working on it, it went nowhere,” Manyowa spoke to IOL.
