Hairstylist Snenhlanhla Mthembu recovering in ICU while facing assault charges

January 13, 2026 145

Image credit: @sne_neneza_mthembu/Instagram

The family of 31-year-old Snenhlanhla Mthembu says she remains in high spirits as she recovers in hospital.

Mthembu’s story gripped the nation after she shared images suggesting ongoing abuse by her partner. The Durban-based hairstylist, who is currently in the intensive care unit (ICU), posted several videos and images showing her badly bruised and battered face.

View this post on Instagram

Her 24-year-old partner has since been arrested and is expected to appear in court soon over charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, Robert Netshiunda, says Mthembu will also face charges of assault and malicious damage to property for allegedly setting her partner’s car alight once she is discharged from hospital.

“It is reported that the suspect called the victim to his place to collect her belongings. Upon arrival, the suspect allegedly assaulted the victim with a pipe and bit her with his teeth, whilst also assaulting her with his hands, he said. “The victim reportedly ran back to her vehicle, and the suspect followed her and damaged the rear windscreen of the vehicle.”

“Police investigations also revealed that the victim is currently in hospital due to burn wounds, which she allegedly suffered when she was setting alight her boyfriend’s car, which she burnt to ashes.”

Netshiunda also noted that the couple has a history of filing cases against each other.

“Those cases have been ventilated in court and were not necessarily of domestic violence in nature.”

Her name is Snehlanhla Nzezana Mthembu allegedly she been physical abused by her Boyfriend Andile Junior,She’s opened 4 cases againts him but SAPS failing to assist her #STOPGBV 💜💜💜 His Father pays authorities for him not to get arrested

Gauteng Mr Moloto Thakgi pic.twitter.com/z4Nqj3jp4u

— IG:Joy-Zelda (@joy_zelda) January 12, 2026

“What is a 31 yr old doing with a 24 yr old” I haven’t heard anyone ask that question you know why coz the older one in this case is a woman.. This is my thought Sne “neneza” mthembu is a predator that took advantage of a young man but unfortunately… Continue in comments pic.twitter.com/z6nNoZCJge

— The Sheriff🏴‍☠️ (@MbusoDlamini01) January 12, 2026

Durban-based stylist, Snenhlanhla Nenezane Mthembu, who previously exposed her abusive boyfriend after enduring multiple cases of physical abuse, is reportedly in the ICU with burn injuries after setting his car on fire.

-She reportedly sustained burns to her hand. pic.twitter.com/bMAnwIH2aV

— Gisthub01 (@Gisthubb01) January 13, 2026

The story of Snenhlanhla nenezane Mthembu and Andile Jr is a sad one. Toxic relationships are becoming a norm and abanikazi bawo abezwa ngathi bayadlisana. pic.twitter.com/Gb1wEHSyGl

— Made in KwaZulu-Natal 🪐 🇿🇦🐐 (@NhlanhlaMBh_le) January 12, 2026

Meanwhile, allegations of assault have also surfaced against musician Oscar MBO.

His ex-partner took to Instagram, sharing her encounter with the famous musician.