In a shocking turn of events, music executive Nota Baloyi turned himself in at the Randburg Police Station on Friday, October 4, responding to grave allegations of rape made against him.
Baloyi took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share his emotional state with his followers, saying: “Handing myself in at Randburg Police station & hoping for the best… Please keep me in your prayers. This is officially the worst day of my life so far.”
Handing myself in at Randburg Police station & hoping for the best… Please keep me in your prayers. This is officially the worst day of my life so far!
— MORAL Authority (@lavidaNOTA) October 4, 2024
The allegations came after actress Itumeleng Bokaba broke her silence on the purported incident.
Bokaba maintained the matter was personal and hoped to keep it private.
However, it was made public when controversial entertainment commentator Musa Khawula revealed the details. This has sparked widespread discourse on social media platforms.
“I know everyone is concerned and panicked right now but I want to assure you that I’m okay,” Bokaba stated in an Instagram post.
“This situation occurred before the ‘Mayibabo’ saga that made headlines last week, and it is not connected to that issue, other than unfortunate timing and overlap of people involved.”
In a subsequent statement, the former “Rhythm City” actress expressed her desire not to further discuss the issue publicly as she trusts the justice system to resolve her case.
“Again, I won’t address this in the Twitter streets because I have no power there. I want to state my case in front of a qualified judge who is educated on the matters of consent, sexual offences and the psychology of rape.
“I refuse to engage is a popularity contest. I am not ‘the goat’ or ‘the authority’. I am just Itu. And Itu is relying on the law, so please allow due process to take place. Make your judgements after an official judgement has taken place.”
Baloyi, however, has taken to social media as well, asserting that “anything that happened was consensual and was initiated by her, not me.”
His comments have added a layer of complexity to an already heated situation, stirring a mix of emotions and opinions across social media.
Public sentiment seems to be sharply divided, as users take sides.
One user, @Mutwanamba_SA, stated: “It's clear as daylight that Nota Baloyi violated this woman. She stated her boundaries from the start and he didn't respect them.”
Another user, @Yoli_Que, questioned how anyone could take Baloyi seriously, referencing his tumultuous past with Berita.
Conversely, others call for caution, asserting that if the allegations prove to be false, there should also be accountability for those making such significant claims.
“If the allegations are false, Nota Baloyi needs to ensure that this woman is held accountable and doesn't escape the consequences”, wrote @CreamQua.