A well-known football player is wanted by the cops after he allegedly raped a young woman from Tshwane.
The player, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, allegedly accosted his victim in Sunnyside, Tshwane, on Tuesday, 3 February.
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The footballer, who now plays for Siwelele Football Club, allegedly drove with the woman to his marital home in Midrand, Gauteng, where he allegedly raped her.
After the alleged sexual assault, the woman returned to Tshwane and opened a case of rape against the player at the Pretoria Central Police Station.
The victim’s close associate, who did not want to be identified for fear of victimisation, alleged the woman received a call from a woman who identified herself as the popular footballer’s wife.
The alleged wife asked the victim to explain what had happened.
After the victim related her ordeal, the alleged wife allegedly asked her how much money she would want in order not to report the matter to the cops.
“She said she told the woman that she would not accept the money because she was not a sex worker,” the associate said.
The associate further said the victim told the alleged wife that she was a woman of high morals and that accepting money in exchange for not pressing charges would be akin to betraying South Africa’s fight against gender-based violence, which President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a national priority.
“She wants justice. Men like him have no respect for the laws of this country. She would be setting a bad example if she took the money and let him get away with it.”
“He must pay for his actions. He must go to jail. South Africa does not need men like him,” said the associate.
The associate’s version was supported by a short police statement, which was compiled at the station.
The statement, which Daily Sun has seen, mentions the name of the woman as a victim of rape and the name of the soccer player as a suspect.
Siwelewele FC owner Calvin Le John said he was shocked by the allegations.
“We have not been officially informed by the police about this matter, but once an official communication has been sent to us, disciplinary action will be taken immediately against the player.”
He added that the club is caught between a rock and a hard place.
Le John said while they must protect the club’s reputation from defamation, they also must respect the player’s constitutional right to a fair hearing and due process.
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Gauteng police spokeswoman Amanda Sibeko confirmed that a case of rape has been opened, and police investigations are underway.
“A case of rape has been opened at Pretoria Central Police Station, and the docket has been transferred to Midrand Police Station for further investigations. No arrest has been made yet,” she said.
