Mphoko seeks US$500,000 in damages over “malicious” rape allegations

BULAWAYO – Siqokoqela Mphoko, the son of late former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko, who was previously convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison for rape, only to be later acquitted, has filed a US$500,000 lawsuit against his accuser.

According to court documents, Mphoko is suing Mantombi Ndlovu, the mother of the alleged victim, for damages arising from the malicious prosecution.

Mphoko claims that Ndlovu’s allegations, which led to his arrest, detention, and conviction, were fabricated and motivated by malice.

The case began in 2022 when Ndlovu alleged that Mphoko had sexually assaulted her 12-year-old daughter, who is also Mphoko’s niece. Mphoko maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings, claiming that the accusations were part of a family conspiracy.

“Our client was, in part because of your evidence, convicted and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment. On appeal our client was acquitted on the basis that the charges against him were fabricated and actuated by malice.

“As a result of the report you made and the charges which followed the matter was widely publicised in the national press and on social media platforms.

“Our client is a businessman of repute and a public figure. His reputation and standing in society has been diminished in the eyes of right- thinking members of the society.

“The damage is aggravated by the fact that the alleged victim is a very close relative. Our client was cast in the image of a sexual predator.

“It is for the above reasons that our client makes the demand he does. Unless payment or other satisfactory arrangements are made our instructions are to issue summons against you without further notice to you,” the lawyers representing Siqokoqela stated.

During the acquittal process, the court found significant issues with the prosecution’s case, including concerns about the credibility of the accusations and the delay in reporting the alleged incident.

A medical examination of the alleged victim also found no evidence of vaginal tears, contrary to Ndlovu’s claims.

In a recent social media post, Siqokoqela Mphoko alleged that his late father, Phelekezela Mphoko, was the mastermind behind the rape allegations made against him.