Dominic Zaca has broken her silence following days of intense public scrutiny over allegations surrounding her previous relationship, rejecting claims that she fabricated her experiences of abuse and signalling that the matter could now move beyond social media and into formal legal processes.
In a statement, Zaca said she was aware of the publications, commentary and claims circulating about her, but firmly rejected suggestions that she had invented her experiences.
“I am aware of the publications and commentary circulating about me. I reject the allegations that I fabricated my experiences of abuse in its many forms,” she said.
Zaca said the timing and manner in which she chose to disclose personal experiences should not be interpreted as evidence that those experiences did not happen.
“My decision about when and how to disclose personal information does not establish that those experiences were invented,” she said.
The allegations that sparked the controversy
Zaca’s response comes after a highly publicised dispute involving allegations she made about a former partner.
In March, Zaca spoke publicly about the relationship, making allegations of abuse, financial manipulation and deception. She described a relationship in which she said she had financially supported her former partner and later discovered information that left her questioning the circumstances of their relationship.
One of the incidents she previously described allegedly took place around the Durban July, where she said her former partner physically grabbed her by her clothing, leaving her injured.
The claims were subsequently followed by competing accounts, leaked conversations and voice notes, with some social media users questioning aspects of Zaca’s story.
The controversy intensified after material emerged suggesting that Zaca had been involved in giving her story to blogger Jasmine Gqwede. Zaca later acknowledged that she had provided the story, saying she had done so because she believed another version of events was about to be published and that she wanted to have control over how her experience was presented.
She has, however, continued to deny that this means the abuse allegations themselves were fabricated.
‘I have reported the matter to SAPS’
Zaca’s latest statement indicates that she does not intend to resolve the dispute through social media exchanges.
“I have reported the matter to SAPS and instructed my attorney to take further appropriate steps,” she said.
She added that material she had supplied was being reviewed and that she had instructed that other relevant publications be preserved and assessed.
Her warning extended to those who have repeated claims about her online.
“Those who have published or repeated false allegations about me should understand that their own words may also be subject to legal scrutiny,” she said.
Zaca specifically cautioned that people who repost, caption or distribute material could potentially face scrutiny over their own contributions.
“A repost, caption or video does not become harmless simply because someone else said it first,” she said. “Where the evidence supports legal action, I intend to pursue it.”
‘My silence should not be mistaken’
Zaca said she would not continue litigating the matter in public.
“I will address the evidence through the appropriate processes. I will not conduct this matter through public arguments, and my silence should not be mistaken for agreement or an abandonment of my rights,” she said.
Her decision to step away from the online conversation comes after months in which personal allegations and responses have played out in front of a large audience.
Earlier this year, Zaca also spoke publicly about the emotional significance of the alleged abuse she said she experienced at the previous year’s Durban July. In July, she explained that her outfit for the event was deliberately designed around reclaiming something she associated with that experience.
The latest statement suggests she now wants the allegations and disputed material to be dealt with through evidence and formal channels rather than continued online debate.
‘I need a break’
Alongside the legal warning, Zaca acknowledged the personal cost of the controversy.
“This situation has taken a considerable toll on me, and I need a break,” she said.
She said her phone and online activity would be limited to ongoing work commitments while she steps back from the public conversation.
Zaca also addressed people who have supported her during the controversy, while asking for patience around existing commitments.
“All existing giveaway commitments and promises will be honoured,” she said, adding that she was asking for “grace and patience” regarding outstanding winner communications, arrangements and other engagements until she was able to return and attend to them properly.
The statement ended with a simple message to those who had stood by her.
“Thank you to those who have supported me and respected my privacy.”
