Speculation continues to mount around the breakup of former Big Brother couple Thato Emmaculate Mokoena and Gashwan Brandon Mthombeni after the pair confirmed that they have gone their separate ways following three years of marriage.
Mokoena confirmed the split over the weekend in a detailed social media statement, citing “irreconcilable incidents” that led to her decision to walk away while stressing that she would not be drawn into public disputes over the breakdown of the relationship.
“I would like to address something personal and important. After three years of marriage, Gashwan Brandon Mthombeni and I are no longer together. Following incidents that happened the past few days that are irreconcilable by my standards and values, I have made the decision to walk away.”
“Our families have met to discuss the matters, and as I have shared with them and in his presence, this is a decision I stand firm on. Out of respect for our families and for the sake of my son, I will not be going into further details.”
Mokoena also pushed back against online speculation suggesting the breakup was linked to infidelity or physical abuse, insisting that public assumptions were misplaced.
“It’s so interesting how ruling out infidelity means GBV according to X and X only,” she wrote in a follow-up post. "However, it is more interesting that people assume I would deem that ‘insignificant to others’ as my statement reads ‘non-negotiables that I will not compromise on no matter how insignificant to others.”
She further emphasised that there are no circumstances under which she would consider issues such as abuse or cheating as minor.
“There isn’t a world where GBV, infidelity and cheating would be insignificant,” she said. “I can’t control the assumptions, and I was hoping it won’t turn into a me vs him situation, but let’s be guided. Let me log off.”
In her initial statement, Mokoena said she would not be sharing further details, stressing her focus is now on rebuilding her life and raising her child.
“I would have never wanted to raise my child alone; however, I have always maintained that there are certain non-negotiables I cannot compromise on,” she said. “This is my final statement on the matter. I will not be commenting further.”
She added that despite the emotional toll of the separation, she remains focused on her future and wellbeing.
“For me I am heartbroken, but I need to soldier on and continue working. Moving forward, it will just be me and my baby, and I am fully focused on building a healthy, happy future for us.”
Meanwhile, Mthombeni has remained largely silent on social media, with no public statement addressing the breakup at the time of publication.
Saturday Star