- South African actress Nambitha Mpumlwana was arrested for allegedly shoplifting lipstick at a Dis-Chem store
- She took to her Instagram account and responded to the allegations that she stole the lipsticks at a Dis-Chem shop at Ferndale Mall
- Netizens reacted to Nambitha Mpumlwana's response on Instagram with words of comfort and encouragement
Talented South African actress Nambitha Mpumlwana left her fans with their jaws on the floor after hogging headlines for stealing lipsticks at Dis-Chem at Ferndale Mall. The actress, who became a household name as shrewd businesswoman Mawande Memela on the popular SABC1 soapie Generations, has reacted to her arrest.
Nambitha Mpumlwana reacts after being arrested for stealing at Dis-Chem
Sunday World reports that when police were called in to arrest her, Nambitha Mpumlwana maintained that it was a misunderstanding. The store management was uncompromising and insisted she plead her innocence before the courts.
Taking to her Instagram account, Nambitha Mpumlwana indirectly addressed the incident by sharing a picture of herself with the quote:
Read also:The Doc Net Worth 2025 An Indepth Look At His Career And Financial Journey
“Sometimes you just have to let people be wrong about you.”
Fans react to Nambitha Mpumlwana's response
In the comments, the actress’ fans showed her love and comforted her. Here are some of the reactions:
Shalatichabalala said:
“This too shall pass ❤️❤️❤️❤️”
the_phoenix_prince_og replied:
“You are the living testimony of this statement. Thank you, Queen ❤️🔥”
Mercysylvanna advised:
“Yes, just let them be ❤️❤️❤️❤️”
Nambitha Mpumlwana's shoplifting case postponed
Mpumlwana ended up in handcuffs after the management of Dis-Chem at Ferndale Mall called Randburg police about an actress who was caught shoplifting lipstick worth a meagre R160. Nambitha Mpumlwana was taken to Randburg Police Station and released on R1,000 bail after being charged with shoplifting.
She made her initial court appearance on Thursday, 20 March 2025, facing shoplifting charges. She was not asked to plead when she appeared before the Randburg Magistrate’s Court.
Read also:Alton Brown The Culinary Icons Journey And Net Worth In 2024
Nambitha is expected back in court on 2 May where she is expected to tender a plea.
When contacted by Sunday World, Mpumlwana confirmed she was arrested for shoplifting but maintained it was a misunderstanding.
“It was just a misunderstanding,” she told the publication.
Maggie Benedict's shoplifting scandal
Nambitha Mpumlwana's arrest adds her name to the list of former Generations cast members who have had a brush with the law.
Maggie Benedict, a former Generations actress, made headlines when she was arrested for allegedly stealing panado worth R17.90.
The actress was acquitted of theft charges in 2015. She has since remained low-key and barely has any social media presence. Maggie Benedict, who turned 40 in 2021, has a successful acting career internationally. Maggie appeared in The Good Doctor, Random Acts of Flyness and more.
Four other celebrities arrested for shoplifting
Sticky fingers are not all that rare in Celeb-ville. Here are four other celebrities who were caught with their hands in the cookie jar, as per The Washington Times:
1. Winona Ryder
Actress Winona Ryder was arrested at the Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills after she was spotted taking an estimated $4,760 worth of clothes and accessories. Ryder was found guilty of two of the three charges against her.
2. Bai Ling
Actress Bai Ling was arrested in 2008 for shoplifting at Los Angeles International Airport. She was spotted by a gift shop employee, who accused her of stealing two magazines and a pack of batteries.
3. Tila Tequila
Tila Tequila was caught stealing snacks in 2010. After managing to exit the store with the stolen items undetected, she posted a video of the event online. Authorities later found the evidence and charged her with shoplifting.
4. Lindsay Lohan
Lindsay Lohan was accused of stealing a necklace from a jewelry shop in 2011. At the time, she claimed she was loaned the jewels as part of a celebrity loan program, but the shop had no record of that. She pled not guilty to the charges, however, she was forced to take shoplifting classes and complete several hours of community service.
Skeem Saam actor Skhumbuzo Mbatha arrested for drunk driving
Nambitha Mpumlwana isn't the only small-screen talent who has recently had a brush with the law.
Briefly News reported that Skeem Saam actor Skhumbuzo Mbatha, known for portraying Meneer Manaka on the popular SABC1 show, was arrested for drunk driving.
He was arrested at a Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) roadblock between Barry Hertzog Avenue and Napier Road in Parktown.
