MZANSI influencer and pastry chef Nare Mautjane says she needs all the support she can get as she battles her ex in court.
She's embroiled in an ongoing court battle with her ex-fiancé Zuko Lincks.
Nare publicly alleged that she was physically assaulted by Zuko for six years.
She said the abuse started in 2020, with the last incident happening in December 2025.
In January 2026, Zuko was arrested after he handed himself over at the Sandton Police Station in Gauteng.
He was granted bail by the Randburg Magistrates Court and is expected to appear in the same court again on 27 August 2026.
But the ordeal continues for Nare. She said the legal proceedings are taking an emotional toll.
Speaking to Daily Sun, Nare said the most difficult part is facing her alleged abuser in the courtroom while her family waits outside.
"No one is allowed to go inside the courtroom besides the directly involved parties. I arrive with my family in court, but they wait outside. It's emotionally draining to face him in court," said Nare.
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She said she's getting support from family, friends and her social media followers.
"The support encourages me and it gives me assurance that I didn't make a mistake by reporting the abuse. Although I'm not in a good state emotionally, at least I know that there are people who have my back," said Nare.
On Friday, she shared pictures on social media showing how the alleged assault left her face bruised.
She posted a picture of her bruised face on Instagram Stories with a caption alleging Zuko beat her.
"A picture of when he pushed me so hard that my face hit the ground. My cheekbone swelled so badly that I didn't even look like myself. Thank God I'm no longer in that relationship," read the caption.
Nare said she wishes the court proceedings weren't dragging on.
"The question of why I didn't leave early when the abuse started is the most difficult one. I thought the abuse would stop. But I think I'll have to respond in detail in court. I can advise victims of abuse to not be silent, rather report and leave while it's still early. I thank God that I didn't end up dying," said Nare.
On 20 June 2026, Gender-Based Violence, Femicide and Androcide (GBVFA), the organisation spreading awareness against abuse, will hike in support of Nare, starting at Rietvlei Zoo Farm.
