“Matshepo Maleme Fires Back at ‘Criminal’ Fake Cancer Rumors After House of Zwide Exit!”

Matshepo Maleme, whose character Rea Molapo died from cancer in e.tv’s House of Zwide, has publicly condemned the spread of fake news claiming she has the disease in real life, calling it “unfair” and “criminal” as of 11:06 AM SAST on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. According to Style You, fans assumed Maleme’s health mirrored her character’s after Rea’s exit on the February 26 episode, leading to baseless rumors. Maleme, frustrated by the misinformation, stated, “I have figured that once you start sharing your most personal information with the public, you’ll have to do that all your life. The public has no business diagnosing people.” She emphasized she has never tested for such conditions, yet strangers have speculated about her health, impacting her family and future prospects.

Maleme highlighted the damaging effects of these rumors, saying, “No one wants to touch you. Thinking that you won’t be able to do the job,” and added, “It’s just plain wrong not to me alone, but my family as well.” She clarified she is well and good, accusing detractors of attempting to sabotage her career with false narratives. Her character’s cancer storyline, which saw the Molapo family struggle to secure chemotherapy—prompting Isaac to seek private treatment—topped Twitter trends in December and January, intensifying the confusion. Maleme also reflected on her resilience, noting she felt people were trying to “mess with her” and nearly ruined her future with the spread of fake news.

Beyond House of Zwide, Maleme’s illustrious career includes her iconic role as Zandi Maphosa in Skeem Saam, which she told Sowetan in 2017 was an answer to her prayers after a serendipitous audition. She praised her on-screen chemistry with Cedric Fourie (Lehasa Maphosa), which enhanced the authenticity of their storyline. With a decade-long resume featuring Isibaya, Muvhango, Imposter, Inkaba, and Gold Diggers, Maleme remains a legendary figure, undeterred by the recent controversy as she continues to assert her health and challenge the damaging rumors surrounding her exit from the telenovela.