Philani Mzila
Bishop Israel Makamu, the controversial host of the hit TV talk show, Rea Tsotella, has been arrested.
Makamu has been charged with sexual assault, following complaints made by a 21-year-old woman.
An audio clip, which has since gone viral, recorded the bishop from Endless Hope Bible Church allegedly attempting to solicit sex from the woman.
While the incident is believed to have taken place four years ago, the young woman opened a case against the bishop at the Midrand Police Station last week.
On Sunday, Makamu appeared on Moja Love’s TV show, Ama Bishop, to discuss the recording. On air, he denied making sexual advances towards the victim, who was said to be 17 years old at the time.
Makamu claimed, “I was only asking for the church keys, not sex.”
A statement released later on Wednesday by the regional National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane confirmed that Makamu was arrested and later released on bail.
“The Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court released Bishop Israel Makamu on R2,000 bail following a brief appearance on a charge of sexual assault.
“The case relates to an incident that allegedly happened in his church office in Alrode during September 2018.
“The case was remanded to 13 July 2021 for further investigations,” she said.
Picture source: Facebook
