'Make your judgments after an official judgment has taken place' — actress Itumeleng Bokaba on rape allegations

30 September 2024 - 13:59
By TshisaLIVE
Actress Itumeleng Bokaba speaks up after shooting up trends lists.
Image: Instagram/Itu Bokaba Actress Itumeleng Bokaba speaks up after shooting up trends lists.

Media personality and actress Itumeleng Bokaba has broken her silence on her alleged rape case against controversial artist manager Nota Baloyi. 

After allegations that Nota was the reason for her having received 59 cents for her feature on Kwesta's Mayibabo hit song, allegations of rape against Nota circulated on social media following a report by Sunday World. 

Itumeleng took to her timeline on Sunday denying the information leaked to the public had any connection to the Mayibabo saga. 

“I know everyone is panicked but I assure you I'm OK. I was not intending for this information to be leaked and I am disappointed Musa Khawula shared it publicly before the Mayibabo saga that made headlines last week and it's not connected to that issue, other than the unfortunate timing and overlap of people involved,” she said.

“I am not willing to comment further or engage in public discussions. Please respect my boundaries and refrain from reaching out to me regarding this matter. I have faith in God and the South African justice system to address the situation appropriately. I will continue pursuing my passion for music and focusing on the work I love. Thank you to those who have shown concern and support.”

In another post, Itumeleng said she didn't want to address her issues on social media.

“I want to state my case in front of a qualified judge who is educated on the matters of consent, sexual offences and the psychology of rape. I refuse to engage in a popularity contest. I am not 'the goat' or 'the authority'. I'm just Itu. And Itu is relying on the law, so please allow due process to take place. Make your judgments after an official judgment has taken place.”

Nota has taken to his timeline in an attempt to clear his name. In response to the leaked information he shared a video denying the rape allegations.

“Anything that happened was consensual and initiated by her. Not me. She initiated it. So, that's that. That is on record, in those WhatsApp texts you can see. I was honest. Also, I did not insult or disrespect or undermine in any way, shape or form when I said what I said.”

In another post on X, Nota said: “This is wrong, I’m hurt but I have faith that God will restore my good name and condemn those that tried to tarnish it with the damnation meted out to satan!”