In March 2021, Mutshidzi Rakhuhu, then 22 years old, made headlines when he was accused of raping a well-known businesswoman from Phiphidi village. The allegations stated that Rakhuhu had created a fake Facebook account under the name Elma Mutavhatsindi, posing as a "prophet" to lure women into the bushes and rape them.
The case gained significant attention on social-media platforms, particularly after the alleged victim shared her story on a local radio station. She described how she engaged in conversation with Rakhuhu through the fake Facebook account and how he convinced her to meet him at a lodge in Thohoyandou, where he allegedly raped her.
Rakhuhu was subsequently arrested and released on R1 000 bail by the Sibasa Regional Court seven weeks later. However, on Thursday, 22 June, the same court found him not guilty because of a lack of evidence.
In an interview with Limpopo Mirror, Rakhuhu expressed how difficult the past three years had been for him and how the false accusations had significantly disrupted his life. While admitting to having a sexual relationship with the alleged victim, he vehemently denied raping her and claimed that she was his girlfriend, a fact he had stated in his police statement.
Rakhuhu described the impact the case had had on his life, including the loss of his job as a media assistant for a workers' union. The intense media and social-media attention surrounding the case had defamed him and tarnished his reputation within the community.
Despite facing numerous challenges, Rakhuhu expressed gratitude to those who believed in him, particularly the members of the EGC Shayandima Church, who supported him through prayers during this difficult period. He also acknowledged the assistance provided by Advocate Ramakuwela - a government lawyer who helped him win the case as he could not afford a private attorney.
Important to note is that the information provided here is based on the article and interview referenced, and the perspectives presented are from Mutshidzi Rakhuhu himself.