THOHOYANDOU - A well-known businessman, Mr Mashudu Tshikovhi (35) of Thohoyandou Block F, was acquitted on a charge of rape in the Thohoyandou Regional Court on Monday.

The case dates back to June 2 last year, when a 16-year-old pupil of Dimani High School laid a charge of rape against Tshikovhi at the Thohoyandou police station. Tshikovhi was arrested on the same day and he appeared in court on Monday June 4. He was released on R10 000 bail and the case was postponed to August 8.

The case was then referred to the regional court where it was tabled for hearing on March 7, this year. The case was again postponed to April 29 when it was finalised.

During the proceedings on Monday, the complainant told the court that Tshikovhi has taken her to his Thohoyandou Block F house where he allegedly raped her during the night of May 19 last year. The state called five witnesses who were each cross-examined by the accused's legal representative, Mr Benny Sigogo of the Mathobo, Rambau, Sigogo firm of attorneys.

The court then acquitted Tshikovhi on the basis that the evidence given by the complainant's witnesses differed from one witness to another.

Although Tshikovhi is now a free man, his war against the complainant's family is not yet over. According to his legal representative, Mr Benny Sigogo, they are in the process of suing the complainant's mother for defamation of character and malicious prosecution. "This is a very serious case and Tshikovhi could have been sent to jail for life or given a long term of imprisonment for the offence he did not commit if he was found guilty," said Sigogo.

Sigogo also criticised the communication desk of the SAPS in the Far North area for going public when Tshikovhi was arrested last year and remaining tightlipped when the court acquitted his client.