Itumeleng Bokaba and Nhlamulo "Nota" Baloyi. Picture: X
Actress and singer Itumeleng Bokaba has officially withdrawn the rape charges she previously filed against music executive, Nhlamulo "Nota" Baloyi.
The former “Rhythm City” star announced via Instagram that she is stepping back from the case to focus on a significant career opportunity.
Bokaba clarified that her decision does not diminish her experience or the allegations but is based on the need to dedicate herself fully to this new chapter in her life.
“I have recently been presented with an amazing career opportunity, one that I never saw coming, but that I know is truly aligned with my purpose.
“This project requires my full focus, dedication, and for me to remain in a positive headspace so that I can give it my best,” she stated.
She also expressed her intention to revisit the case when she is in a better position to do so.
“For this reason, I’ve decided to withdraw my case at this time to focus fully on this exciting new chapter. However, this does not mean that the case has been dismissed or that my experience is invalid.
“I remain firm in my truth and will revisit the case at a later stage when I am in a better position to do so,” she added.
The allegations first came to light in September 2024 when Bokaba accused Baloyi of sexual assault, leading to the opening of a rape case at the Douglasdale Police Station.
Baloyi, in response, denied the allegations and obtained a protection order against Bokaba, claiming their interaction was consensual and accusing her of harassment and extortion.
In October 2024, Baloyi turned himself in at the Randburg Police Station and was later released on R5 000 bail after appearing in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court.
The legal battle intensified in November when Baloyi was arrested again - this time for contempt of court in a separate matter involving rapper KO - while attending a hearing related to the rape case.
He was detained at Johannesburg Prison, commonly known as Sun City, before being released on parole later that month.
The court postponed Baloyi’s rape case in January 2025, scheduling it for February 14, 2025, to allow for further consultation with Bokaba.
On the scheduled court date, Bokaba made her public announcement about withdrawing the charges.
Baloyi responded to the news, stating, “Part one is done. Now we await the outcome of my protection order against her.”
He previously maintained that the allegations were an attempt to tarnish his reputation.
The dispute initially gained public attention not only because of the serious allegations but also due to Bokaba’s claim that Baloyi had withheld royalties from her contribution to Kwesta’s hit song “Mayibabo”, for which she allegedly received only 59 cents.
This financial dispute further fuelled tensions between the two.