'I’m able to be free to prove my innocence': Nota Baloyi granted R5,000 bail in rape case

Nhlamulo “Nota” Baloyi made his first appearance on Monday in the Randburg magistrate's court after his arrest on Friday for a rape accusation filed by actress Itumeleng Bokaba.

The 34-year-old artist manager, who handed himself over to police, was granted bail of R5,000 after spending a weekend behind bars.

A condition of his bail is that he does not contact the complainant.

His case has been postponed to November 7 for the state to consult the complainant for further investigations.

Nota, who could not hold back his tears, said he was happy to be free.

“It was an emotional weekend for me from the moment my father brought me to Randburg police station. We knew I probably had to spend the weekend [in jail],” he told TshisaLIVE.

“We did all we could to plead a case that I be released on bail in the interests of justice. It was a nervous weekend. I didn’t want to end up going to Sun City for seven days or however long it would have taken. I’m glad the worst has been avoided and I’m free to prove my innocence and do everything I need to do to support myself.

“I was thinking about what I was worried about over the three days. My family came to visit me almost every day and it was uncomfortable to have them visit me under such conditions, through a glass barrier.”

Nota said he was not certain he would be granted bail but is determined to clear his name and prove his innocence.

“Being processed with all the other accused, you see how your life is practically in the magistrate's hands. When I was standing in line, most of the people did not get bail out of the 17 that applied.

“I got emotional thinking about the price of one’s freedom. I wasn’t sure I was going to be granted bail. It made it harder to hold back the tears.”

TimesLIVE