The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed this week that the case against popular musician Bishop Roxley Masevhe, who has been charged with rape, has been struck off the roll. This follows messages circulating on social media since Friday, claiming that the charges had been withdrawn.

“As the NPA, we can confirm that the charges against Bishop Masevhe have been withdrawn due to some delays,” said the spokesperson for the prosecuting authority, Ms. Mashudu Malabi Dzhangi. She emphasised, however,  that this does not mean the end of the case.

Dzhangi explained that the court refused to postpone the case further while the State was waiting for a decision from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), resulting in the matter’s being struck off the roll.

“The case will still be submitted to the DPP for a decision. Should the DPP decide to prosecute, Dr. Masevhe will be summoned to appear before court,” she said.

Masevhe was accused of raping a 17-year-old girl. The girl's ordeal is alleged to have started in January 2023 and lasted until she laid a charge against him in early January 2024. He was arrested soon after, on 8 January.

The popular bishop spent a month in prison but was granted bail of R20,000 with stringent conditions by the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 1 February.

Last Friday, a note, presumably written by Dr. Masevhe, began circulating on social-media platforms. “By the grace of the Lord, be informed that the case of Bishop Dr. Roxley Fhatuwani Masevhe was struck off the roll by the courts of law on Friday, 26 July 2024. We thank you very much for your prayers and support. God is great. Jesus is too powerful. Be blessed. Dr. Roxley Masevhe.”

The note caused confusion in the community, with some questioning the effectiveness of the courts. Ms. Thelma Marole of the Vhembe United Group expressed her disappointment with the outcome. “As community members, we are very disappointed with what has happened. We have nothing against the bishop, but we expected that the matter would go to trial and that the victim and her family would get justice,” she said. She added that they still believed the charges might be reinstated and that the bishop would get his day in court.