Bishop Israel Makamu Released on R2 000 Bail, Charged With Assault
- Bishop Israel Makamu was arrested on Wednesday, 26 May 2021 and charged with sexual assault
- He was arrested following a complaint laid by a former employee about an incident that took place in September 2018
- Makamu has been released on R2 000 bail following being taken into custody by the police
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Bishop Israel Makamu has been arrested by the police and charged with sexual assault following allegations made by an employee of his church.
The complaint was laid on 19 May 2021, however, the case dates back to an incident that took place in September 2018. He was released from custody following a R2 000 bail payment according to IOL.
Source: Facebook
A leaked audio clip that went viral prompted the alleged victim to press charges. The case has been postponed until 12 July in order for the investigation to continue.
News24 reported that Makamu had allegedly tried to bribe the family in an attempt to avoid facing charges.
The National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane confirmed that the charges relate to the incident that took place in 2018.
Earlier, Briefly News reported that Kwanele Mfundisi has made more damning allegations against trouble Bishop Israel Makamu. The organisation took to social media and shared that more girls have accused the TV presenter of sexually abusing them.
Kwanele Mfundisi is a platform for victims of pastors and churches. The founder of the organisation Sihle Sibisi took to Facebook after Makamu made an appearance on Moja Love's AmaBishop.
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Sihle shared that they had contacted the channel and requested to be part of the panel that interviewed Makamu but were allegedly denied the opportunity.
In other news, AmaBishop Pastor Enoch Phiri previously showed support to Bishop Makaumu amidst his sex scandal but he's now changing his tune. Phiri has apologised and has said that he is going to distance himself from Makamu from now on.
The preacher published a statement after the broadcast aired, apologizing for his comments. He also stated that he opposes views that undermine women and that it is his responsibility to safeguard women and children in the church.
"I wish to apologise unconditionally for the way the message was conveyed by myself as if I was in support and condoning the alleged actions of Bishop Makamu. I hereby, distance myself from any utterances which undermine women," read the statement.
"I wish to apologise to our viewers those who take time to support and watch 'AmaBishop' on channel 157 and those who follow me on various platforms both TV and social media," he said.
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Source: Briefly News
