The Queen actor acquitted of rape charges

Former The Queen actor Xolani Mayekiso has been spared jail sentence on rape charges after attempted rape charges against him were withdrawn by the Pretoria Magistrates Court last month. This after a woman laid charges in October, accusing the star of inappropriate conduct.

The unnamed Pretoria woman claimed that on one rainy day, Mayekiso allegedly asked her to sit with him in his car before he allegedly pulled her pants down forcefully.

Also Read: Mbuso Khoza exits Umkhokha: The Curse

She says she felt violated and subsequently opened a case of attempted rape at Pretoria West Police Station. Gauteng police spokesperson, Colonel Mavela Masondo, confirmed that a case of attempted rape was opened and that the matter was heard at a magistrates court, where it was withdrawn due to insufficient evidence.

“I can confirm that a case of attempted rape was opened last year at the Pretoria West police station and the suspect appeared in court last month where the case was withdrawn, as there was not enough evidence,” said Masondo.

He explained that when a case is withdrawn, it doesn’t mean it can’t be reopened should new evidence surface, but the suspect remains free until such time new evidence comes to the fore. Mayekiso pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The woman said that because there’s also a protection order granted to her against the actor, she is not in a position to speak more about the case. “I’m not able to talk about the case as I have instructions not to, because there’s also a protection order,” she said.

In a social media post, the woman said that the circumstances surrounding the case did not matter. “I was attacked for no good reason by a lying, sickening man. Never kissed him. Didn’t even know his name until I had to Google him the next day at the court office. I said no. I said stop. What more should women do?” she wrote