Former Afternoon Express presenter Thabiso Makhubela is a free man once again. He was released from prison a week ago after being arrested for shoplifting last year.
The news of his release comes after a tumultuous period for the former GQ best dressed winner, who was also fired from his job after being found in possession of cocaine on set.
News of Makhubela's struggles first surfaced last month, with a social media post alleging that he had been detained in a Johannesburg correctional services facility. The post, which went viral, claimed that Makhubela had been fired from Afternoon Express for misconduct and subsequently arrested for theft.
"Wonder what happened to the talented TV and radio personality Thabiso Makhubela from Afternoon Express? He has been behind bars at Johannesburg correctional services," read the post.
Media liaison spokesperson for the department of correctional services Singabakho Nxumalo confirmed the news, stating: “The department of correctional services can confirm Thabiso Makhubela was admitted at a Johannesburg correctional facility on April 4 2024, for charges relating to theft. He was granted bail by the court which he paid and he was released on April 16.”
While the news of Makhubela's arrest and subsequent release from prison rocked the South African media, it was his firing from Afternoon Express that sparked the most controversy. Expresso content producer Lucian Albertyn, however, refuted the claims of Makhubela being fired, stating: “He wasn't fired. He left of his own accord.”
Despite Albertyn's statement, it's clear that Makhubela's departure from Afternoon Express was not a smooth one. He was reportedly found in possession of cocaine on set, an incident that ultimately led to his dismissal.
Makhubela's release from prison marks a new chapter in his life, one that he is determined to make the most of. A source close to him revealed that Makhubela checked himself into a hospital in Hammanskraal, outside Tshwane, after his release.
“He is on the right track. He wanted to make sure that doesn't get triggered again. There is a lot he is going through and he needs to fix before he is out there,” added the source.
According to the source, Makhubela is still traumatised by the ordeal he went through but is picking up the pieces of his life.
The source added, “Look, this industry is not kind to anyone. He has made mistakes and has learnt from them. He's changing for the better and accepted his past mistakes.”
Makhubela himself took to Facebook to announce his return from prison, sharing with his friends that he needed to take some time off.
He excitedly wrote: "Bathong boMeiskat! "Happy Tuesday. I haven't been here for some time, took some time to clear my mind. I'm back now, please inbox if you've been trying to reach out.."
