Award-winning South African vocalist Ntobeko Ngema, widely known by her stage name MaWhoo, was forced to miss a highly anticipated New Year’s Eve performance at Sun City Resort after she and her team were allegedly attacked in a disturbing roadside racial incident in Klerksdorp, North West, on the night of December 31.
The incident, which has since sparked widespread concern and outrage, reportedly occurred while MaWhoo and her team were travelling to Sun City to perform at the RustyRocks Metro FM Tap Into 2026 New Year’s Eve Celebration, one of the most prominent events marking the transition into the new year.
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According to a statement released by MaWhoo Entertainment, the singer and her team were en route from a prior engagement when their touring bus came under attack. The altercation has been described as severe, with the attackers allegedly directing racial abuse at the occupants of the vehicle before causing significant damage to the bus. The exact nature of the confrontation has not yet been fully disclosed, but the damage sustained was serious enough to bring the journey to an abrupt halt.
As a result of the incident, the team experienced an unexpected and prolonged delay, making it impossible for MaWhoo to reach Sun City in time for her scheduled performance. Despite frantic efforts by her management team and event organisers to salvage the situation, the artist ultimately had no choice but to withdraw from the event.
“Despite all reasonable efforts by MaWhoo Entertainment and the RustyRocks team, it was not possible for the artist to arrive in time for her scheduled performance,” the statement read.
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The announcement came as a major disappointment to fans who had eagerly awaited MaWhoo’s appearance on one of the biggest nights of the year. Many had travelled long distances and purchased tickets specifically to see the hitmaker perform, making her absence deeply felt among attendees.
Both MaWhoo Entertainment and the event organisers issued heartfelt apologies to fans, patrons, sponsors, and stakeholders who were affected by the last-minute change to the programme. They acknowledged the frustration and disappointment experienced by concertgoers but emphasised that the safety of the artist and her team remained the top priority.
“We sincerely apologise to all fans and stakeholders for the disappointment caused by these unforeseen circumstances,” the statement continued. “The safety and well-being of the artist and her team are paramount.”
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In the aftermath of the incident, MaWhoo Entertainment confirmed that details of the alleged perpetrators have been obtained and that the matter will be pursued through the appropriate legal channels. While no arrests have been announced at this stage, the management team has indicated that they are cooperating fully with authorities to ensure that the incident is thoroughly investigated.
The alleged racial nature of the attack has added another troubling layer to the situation, reigniting conversations about racism, safety, and intolerance in South Africa. Fans and fellow artists have taken to social media to express their shock, anger, and solidarity with MaWhoo, calling for accountability and justice.
“This is heartbreaking and unacceptable,” one fan wrote online. “Artists should not have to fear for their lives just to entertain us.”
Industry insiders have also raised concerns about the safety of musicians and performers who often travel long distances by road, particularly during the festive season when highways are busy and tensions can run high. For many artists, touring is an essential part of their livelihood, yet incidents like this highlight the risks they face behind the scenes.
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The festive season, while meant to be a time of joy and celebration, has increasingly been marred by reports of road violence, harassment, and racially motivated incidents. The alleged attack on MaWhoo’s tour bus has intensified calls for stronger measures to protect artists and ensure safer travel arrangements for major events.
MaWhoo, known for her powerful vocals and chart-topping hits, has become one of South Africa’s most celebrated artists in recent years. Her absence from the Sun City stage was keenly felt, especially as fans had hoped to ring in the new year with one of the country’s most beloved voices.
As of now, MaWhoo has not released a personal statement detailing her experience, but her management has assured fans that she is safe and recovering from the ordeal. Support continues to pour in from across the entertainment industry, with many calling for unity and an end to hate-driven violence.
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As investigations continue, South Africans await further updates on the case, hoping that justice will be served and that incidents of this nature will be dealt with decisively. For now, the focus remains on the safety of artists, accountability for alleged perpetrators, and ensuring that music — which has long been a source of unity — is not overshadowed by acts of division and intolerance.
