Rape charge against senior Lim official withdrawn

A case of alleged rape against a top official of the Provincial Government and a counter case of extortion levelled against the purported victim, a woman, was withdrawn at the Polokwane Magistrates’ Court this morning (Monday) following the reported arrest of both over the weekend.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, confirmed that both the victim and accused had submitted statements to withdraw the charges. Although Malabi-Dzhangi could not reveal the content of the statements, she clarified that the matter had to be referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The victim who apparently works for a television channel is in the province on assignment to cover the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations tournament and the alleged incident reportedly took place at a lodge in the city. Sport, Arts and Culture MEC Onicca Moloi’s spokesperson Moloko Moloto said the woman’s employ could not be confirmed and had been uable to speak to the claimed victim.
Moloto went on to say the department offered to provide the alleged victim with trauma counselling, adding that her accreditation to cover the challenge woud remain valid if she is indeed working for a particular television channel. Premier Stan Mathabatha Spokesperson, Kenny Mathivha emphasised that a person is innocent until proven guilty and added that the office was happy for the accused.
The victim’s legal representative, Tumi Mokoena said the victim somehow felt hopeless because she was facing a powerful man so she decided to withdraw the case. He further said they will support the victim if she changes her mind and decide to pursue that case.

Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za