A New Year’s Day outing at a local Thohoyandou resort ended disastrously for a popular gospel artist, who later found himself in police custody on allegations of rape.
The musician, Phumudzo Charity Mulaudzi, better known as “Dr” Mshengu (41), visited the resort on New Year’s Day to cool off as temperatures soared.
The exact circumstances are not yet clear, but he is alleged to have raped a teenage girl while swimming in one of the pools. The girl is said to have laid a charge afterwards, and Mulaudzi was arrested a few days later.
Vhembe police spokesperson Warrant Officer Vuledzani Dathi confirmed the artist’s arrest. “We can confirm that Thohoyandou FCS has arrested Phumudzo Charity Mulaudzi, aged 41, for statutory rape. It is alleged that on Thursday, 1 January, a 17-year-old girl was swimming at a resort in Thohoyandou Block F when the suspect joined her and raped her inside the pool. A rape case was opened and the arrest took effect. The suspect appeared before the Thohoyandou Magistrate's Court on Friday, 9 January, and was remanded in custody for further police investigations,” he said.
However, Mulaudzi’s first court appearance was on 5 January, shortly after he handed himself over to the Thohoyandou Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit. He was accompanied by his legal representative, Advocate Rinae Tshikovha. During this appearance, the case was postponed to 9 January for profiling and a possible bail application.
On 9 January, a second rape charge was added, and Mulaudzi now faces two counts of rape. He did not plead to either charge, and the case was postponed to 16 January.
Adv Tshikovha said the case against his client was very weak and that the defence would apply for bail on Friday (16 January). “Allegations are that it occurred inside the pool with over 50 people and during the day," said Adv Tshikovha.
Mulaudzi began his music career with Brothers in Love before embarking on a solo career. He is known for songs such as Idani ni Vhone and Ro da u Pembela, and has also featured on Joyful Hymns.