South African actor Sello Maake kaNcube and his wife, Pearl Mbewe, are officially on the path to divorce, signalling the end of what was once perceived as a loving celebrity marriage. The breakup has been clouded by shocking allegations and legal actions, with Maake kaNcube serving Mbewe a protection order on Saturday.
For her part, Mbewe expressed shock at the situation, explaining:
“He’s controlling and obsessive. I needed space, but he invaded my personal space without notice. How could I sign something I didn’t understand?”
She detailed her surprise and frustration upon finding her husband in her home unannounced.
A Relationship Under Strain
The couple has reportedly been living apart since July. Maake kaNcube explained that he asked Mbewe to leave his Dube residence in Soweto, moving her to their shared home in Centurion, Blue Valley, while he finished traditional marital obligations. A planned lobola ceremony in September fell through when Maake kaNcube’s family arrived late, marking a turning point in their relationship.
ALSO READ: Lebombo Border Reopened as Mozambique Tensions Ease Following Election Unrest
Sello Maake kaNcube and wife going through divorce@XReflecting on the challenges, Maake kaNcube said:
“I tried to keep this marriage intact, fearing judgment from the public. For four years, I endured more frustration than joy. Social media portrayed a happy marriage, but I lived in turmoil.”
He claims Mbewe managed his public image, curating social media posts that gave the impression of marital bliss.
Divorce Proceedings Begin
Reports of a looming divorce emerged in March when Maake kaNcube reportedly contacted a legal firm for assistance. In October, Mbewe reached out to the same firm, seeking a quick resolution and requesting to revert to her maiden name.
Mbewe stated that she will not contest the divorce but wants the property they co-own in Blue Valley to be sold and for her to retain one of their vehicles.
Allegations of Infidelity
Sources close to the couple suggest that accusations of infidelity may have contributed to the marital breakdown. Maake kaNcube allegedly claimed that Mbewe was involved with another public figure, Lebo Keswa. Keswa, however, denied any romantic involvement with Mbewe, saying Sello was delusional.
Maake kaNcube, addressing rumours about his behaviour, denied any infidelity on his part during the marriage, asserting,
“I am wrongly portrayed as a womanizer. While I had relationships before marriage, Pearl has never faced infidelity from me.”
ALSO READ: Police Hunt for Zodwa Wabantu After Alleged Attack
Allegations of Abuse
Adding further complexity, the marriage has also seen abuse allegations. Mbewe claims to have a permanent scar from an alleged altercation with Maake kaNcube. She describes an incident in Makhanda where, according to her, she was injured during a confrontation. In contrast, Maake kaNcube denies any physical abuse, attributing the injury to her own actions while intoxicated.
In response, Maake kaNcube shared images of an injury he sustained on his hand, alleging that Mbewe bit him during a disagreement over car keys.
“The car she drives is in my name. I was trying to take my keys back when she attacked me.”