Sexual Assault Charges Against Bishop Makamu Dropped. It looks like the worst is over for church bishop and TV presenter Bishop Israel Makamu after his sexual assault charges were dropped. The Sunday World publication has reported that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) withdrew the prosecution against Bishop Israel Makamu on Tuesday.
NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane revealed the withdrawal follows a consultation session that was had with the complainant.
“After careful consideration of all evidence and the mediation process between the complainant and Makamu, the NPA is convinced that the interest of justice dictates that prosecution no longer be pursued” she said
Bishop Makamu was recently accused of sexual assaulting a female member and employee from his Endless Hope Bible Church in Alberton. The accuser who was allegedly a teenager at the time opened a case against the Moja Love host on the charges of sexual assault, claiming that the Bishop made sexual advances at her.
Makamu was then arrested and granted bail at the Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court of R2000 on May 26, 2021. This after a recording of the Bishop having a conversation with the complainant asking for sexual favours. The accuser also revealed that the Bishop has also on on one occasion called her during the night and touched her inappropriately then tired to kiss her.
When the scandal came to light, the accuser and her father alleged that Makamu offered them hush money worth R1 000 000, but her father refused to take the money and demanded that the Bishop apologise for his inappropriate behaviour.
In his defence, Makamu said that the recording was maliciously cut in a way that would damage his reputation and he is innocent. Moja Love then released a statement revealing their decision to temporarily relieve the Rea Tsotella host of his duties until further investigation of the case.
