FORMER Generations actor, Thabiso Mokhethi, was
given a hectic tongue-lashing by the SABC COO.
This comes after it was reported by Sunday Sun that
Thabiso had been beating his wife, Gaaratwe Mokhethi.
Sunday Sun has been told Hlaudi Motsoeneng told
Thabiso to never, ever lay a hand on his wife since he’s now the new presenter
of Gospel Gold on SABC1.
The People’s Paper reported last year on how Thabiso’s wife,
Gaaratwe, obtained a protection order against him for abuse.
Insiders who were present on Tuesday claimed Hlaudi called Thabiso
aside after the press briefing and instructed him to stop appearing in Sunday
papers with negative stories.
Insiders who witnessed Hlaudi scolding Thabiso claimed the boss
told him he was now back at the SABC and should behave like a mature
person.
A witness told Sunday Sun: “Hlaudi told Thabiso
issues of domestic violence were not aligned to the broadcaster.
“Hlaudi stated he loves to bring back talent to the broadcaster and
would like his employees to follow the rules of the SABC.”
The People’s Paper has been told Thabiso made a passionate plea to
the COO that he had learnt his lesson.
“Thabiso was humbled and even said he won’t cause any havoc, since
he’s now a presenter of the religious show.
“Sometimes people mess up, but clean their acts. I’m happy Hlaudi
spoke to him and knocked some sense into the guy,” said an SABC boss, who works
closely with Hlaudi.
When Hlaudi was called for comment, he said: “I’m in a meeting
baba, please don’t call me today.”
Gaaratwe told Sunday Sun Thabiso’s job came at the
right time.
“We can’t change the past, instead we are focusing on the future.
Remember, we married at a very young age and we did well until we faced
challenges that we managed to overcome.
“It wasn’t easy for him. He lost some important family members. We
had to go through counselling and discovered that Thabiso is not a monster,” she
said.
Thabiso said: “I had a chat with Hlaudi during the press briefing
on Tuesday regarding my recent negative publicity.
“I have regrets. I was depressed and stressed. I lost my job on Generations and by that time I was the breadwinner. On top of that,
I lost my family members in a car accident. I had to go through counselling.
Thanks to Gospel Gold for coming to my rescue.
“I’m totally against women abuse.”