Music executive Nhlamulo “Nota” Baloyi has been released on R5,000 bail by the Randburg magistrate’s court following his court appearance on Monday. Baloyi, who had voluntarily handed himself over to the Randburg police last Friday, is facing serious allegations of rape.
According to his lawyer, Matamela Khorommbi, Baloyi is in good spirits following his release, and the case has been postponed. “The court has adjourned until November 9 for the verification of the WhatsApp conversations between Baloyi and the complainant,” Khorommbi shared with Sunday World. As part of his bail conditions, Baloyi is prohibited from contacting the complainant in any way.
The 34-year-old music executive spent the weekend in custody after being accused of raping actress and singer Itumeleng Bokaba. Bokaba had filed a rape complaint at the Douglasdale police station. Baloyi, who has previously acknowledged a romantic relationship with Bokaba, has denied the charges.
Before his court appearance, Baloyi reached out to his followers on X (formerly Twitter) and asked for their prayers. “Handing myself in at Randburg police station and hoping for the best. Please keep me in your prayers. This is officially the worst day of my life so far,” he wrote.
Baloyi claimed that his initial interaction with Bokaba took place in May 2017 when she asked for contact information for a popular rapper. Bokaba allegedly said that the rapper had featured her in a song under Baloyi’s record label. This sparked flirtatious exchanges between the two, eventually leading to WhatsApp conversations and house visits.
In one message, Bokaba told Baloyi, “You’ve been on my mind since I returned. I’m confused about what to make of you. You need to be more clear about your intentions before we go any further. I’m a very emotional person, and I don’t want to hurt myself.”
In a public statement released last Sunday, Bokaba addressed the ongoing situation, urging people to respect her privacy. “I’m doing fine, and I never intended for this information to be leaked. I’m disappointed that Musa Khawula shared it before the ‘Mayibabo’ controversy. It’s not connected to that matter, despite the timing. I won’t be engaging in public discussions about this, and I ask that people refrain from reaching out to me on this issue.”
She continued, “I have faith in both God and the South African justice system, and I trust they will handle this situation appropriately. Meanwhile, I’ll focus on my music and the work I love.”
Baloyi, for his part, continues to deny the allegations, asserting that their sexual encounter was consensual and took place at his home in the presence of a family member.
