Yaw Dwomoh, the owner of Mama’s Shebeen said his reputation has been tarnished and his liquor license has been compromised.
This comes after the grandson of the late former president Nelson Mandela was arrested for allegedly raping a 15-year-old girl at his restaurant which is based in Greenside.
The accused has been in police custody since his arrest on 15 August.
The 24-year-old appeared at the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on 25 August and was granted R7 000 bail.
“These past days have been very stressful and even my 16-year-old daughter is now been harassed at school because of the rape allegations,” said Dwomoh.
Dwomoh also said he is displeased with residents who are compromising his business brand.
“For almost nine years now Mama’s Shebeen has been here and serving the community, but now residents are blaming me for the alleged rape allegations.
“I still say that the incident did not happen in the restaurant and the residents are now using social media to try and compromise a legitimate business,” added Dwomoh.
He said when the girl came to the restaurant, she presented an Identity Document that suggested that she was older.
“The age restriction in this restaurant is 21, but ID submissions is 18 and it is also based on time, but people must bear in mind that this is not a pub but a restaurant, we obviously attract young people,” he said.
Dwomoh said should residents have queries about his business then they should contact him.
Meanwhile, chairperson of the Greenside Resident Association Bridget Steer said they are deeply distressed about the rape allegations, however residents should be cautious to raise fingers on social media.
“We are not the law, and if it turns out that the incident did not happen at Mama’s Shebeen then it might hurt the man’s business – it is not trial by social media,” said Steer.
Details: Dwomoh499@gmail.com
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