The South African entertainment industry is reeling from the fallout of a high-profile rape case involving actress and musician Itumeleng Bokaba and music executive Nota Baloyi.
The alleged sexual encounter between the two has irrevocably altered Bokaba's life, leaving her grappling with the emotional and professional consequences. However, amidst the turmoil, one constant source of support has emerged: her boyfriend, a fellow actor who has stood firmly by her side.
Last week, Bokaba, in a heartfelt message to her fans, acknowledged the intense scrutiny and concern surrounding her recent rape allegation against Baloyi. She offered a brief but poignant update on her well-being, revealing the immense emotional strain the experience has caused.
“Hi everybody I hope you are well. I know I have not come out and said anything and spoken for a very long time since the drama unfolded in my life. And that has got people worried about where I am mentally and if I am dealing with how everything has gone. I just wanted to come out to let you know that I am okay. It’s been hard; it’s been really hard. I am not saying that it is easy, but I am dealing.”
The alleged incident, which reportedly occurred on September 4th, has resulted in Baloyi spending a weekend in custody before being granted R5,000 bail by the Randburg Magistrate’s Court. He is due back in court on November 9th, where crucial WhatsApp messages exchanged between him and Bokaba will be examined as evidence. These messages, according to reports, reveal a complex and evolving relationship between the two individuals, adding layers of complexity to the already sensitive situation.
Baloyi, in a recent podcast interview with DJ Sbu, has maintained his innocence and professed his willingness to cooperate fully with the legal process. He highlighted his decision to voluntarily hand himself in at the Randburg Police Station.
“I have nothing to run from. I have nothing to hide. Like I said, I have nothing to hide; I let everyone into my WhatsApp inbox, and that’s how transparent I am,” he said.
He also expressed concern about the lack of support often given to men facing similar accusations.
“Thank you for giving me this time, and thank you for giving me the support. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be heard. You know many times where many men in what I can call a similar position to mine now you know everyone just shuts them out and no one wants to hear them out. And that can make people spiral into self-destructive things.”
The WhatsApp messages, a critical piece of evidence, detail a relationship that began in 2017. Bokaba, then an aspiring musician, initially contacted Baloyi seeking industry connections. She was later featured on a track under his record label but claims she wasn’t properly credited. This professional interaction appears to have developed into a more personal, and ultimately contentious, exchange.
The messages reveal a cautious Bokaba seeking clarification from Baloyi regarding his intentions.
“You were on my mind the entire time since I got back… I don’t know what to make of you. I think you have to be more clear about what you want from me before we continue," she wrote.
She explicitly stated her lack of interest in casual encounters, adding, "My kitty cat and my heart are connected."
Baloyi's responses, according to the messages, denied any misinterpretation of her intentions, suggesting a mutual desire for a deeper connection. However, the exchange also included playful banter, hinting at a growing intimacy between the two. Bokaba, a former child star, expressed a need for a slower pace, indicating that physical intimacy would signify a stronger commitment from Baloyi.
Baloyi maintains that the sexual encounter was consensual, asserting that their relationship had progressed to the point where Bokaba had expressed a desire to go public with their relationship and meet his family. He further stated that the encounter took place at his home in the presence of his 23-year-old nephew.
