Can't Put Her Down

Actress Palesa Madisakwane opens up about suicide allegations after her ‘Ben 10’ breakup.

- Mpho Tshikhudo

SHE’S accustomed to being in the public eye but these days she can barely bring herself to leave her home and face people.

Palesa Madisakwane fears she’s the talk of Mzansi after recent reports alleged she tried to take her own life after being dumped by her businessman boyfriend.

“It’s been difficult the past few days,” the former Generations actress tells us when we meet her at the trendy Skye Bar in Sandton. “I feel like people are looking at a freak every time I go out.”

According to reports, Palesa tried to overdose on tablets after her boyfriend, Nico Matlala, apparently refused to sever ties with his baby mama, with whom he broke up two years ago.

As a celebrity in her own right – who also shares a child with one of Mzansi’s top entertainers, Somizi Mhlongo – Palesa is no stranger to being tabloid fodder. She usually ignores the gossip but this time she says she needs to address the rumour as she fears it might ruin her career.

“To set the record straight – it’s all lies,” she says firmly. “I never ever took any tablets or tried to commit suicide, especially over a man. I’ve never done anything like that in my life and I’m not about to now.

“I usually don’t respond when things are written about me,” the ex-Gospel Gold presenter continues, “but this time I feel I owe it to my children and those who love me to respond.”

Palesa believes something sinister may be behind the rumours. “I think the person who reported on these rumours is working with someone to destroy me,” she says.

While she won’t mention names, Palesa believes the truth will eventually come out.