Waterberg ANC official gets bail: ‘He is not a rapist but a leader’

MOKOPANE – Waterberg Regional Secretary, Cde Tolly Mashamaite appeared before the  Mokopane Magistrate’s Court on Thursday on charges of rape and bribery.

He was granted bail of R1000 and is set to reappear before the Mokopane Regional Court on 7 November when the accused will plead his case.

Mashamaite was arrested on Tuesday evening in response to claims that he allegedly raped a 23-year-old woman in the Park hotel in Mokopane on 5 April this year.

“At that point in time there was not enough evidence to make an arrest. Since then new evidence has come to light, and the arrest was made [Tuesday] night,” said provincial police spokesperson, Lt. Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe.

A group of ANC supporters gathered outside the court yesterday with posters in support of the ANC official. One of the supporters’ poster reads: ‘He is not a rapist, but a leader’.

After his appearance Bosveld Review jouanalist spoke to Jabu Mashamaite, who was speaking on behalf of the Mashaimaite family he said.

He believes the rape accusations against the Tolly Mashamaite is ‘nothing but a political ploy’ and that they will fight tooth and nail as it is a miscarriage of justice. [WATCH: Jabu Mashamaite gives his outlook on court proceedings]

Provincial Secretary of the ANC, Nocks Seabi  released a statement on Thursday afternoon: “ANC in Limpopo notes the arrests of Waterberg Regional Secretary, Cde Tolly Mashamaite on allegeations of rape. ANC in Limpopo remains resolute in the fight against any form of woman abuse including sexual abuse and rape. The ANC once more confirms its confidence in the judicial system and encourage speedy resolution on the matter in the interest of justice. Whilst the ANC holds the principle of innocent until proven otherwise, The PEC will receive a report from the REC on the way forward in line with the ANC conference resolution.”

redaksie.bosvelder@nmgroup.co.za