Moja Love is happy to welcome Bishop Israel Makamu back after The NPA dropped the case against him.
“After careful consideration of all evidence and the mediation process between the complainant and Makamu, the NPA is convinced that the interest of justice dictates that prosecution no longer be pursued,
"The decision stems from a consultation process that we had with the complainant, wherein she also informed us that there was a mediation process between herself and Bishop Makamu,” NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane reportedly said.
Bishop Makumo got arrested in May this year after a former employee laid a complaint of sexual assault against him.
He then later decided to step down from his duties at Moja Love. However, he maintained that he was innocent. He told Daily Sun: “I understand that it sounds wrong, but I was just being playful. It kind of went too far, but I’d never ask for sex from any of my employees or congregation...I’d never do such a despicable thing. I love my wife and would never embarrass her by doing what I’m being accused of."
The channel then released a statement announcing that the Bishop was stepping down.
The statement read: "Moja Love has accepted Bishop Makamu's decision to voluntarily step down from the channel pending an internal investigation after a recording with sexual connotations has been circulating on social media. On consultation with the channel, Bishop Makamu maintains that he is innocent and says that the recording dates back to 2017.”
The channel also stated that it will do further investigations before reinstating him.
"As a channel, we will be conducting internal investigations regarding the matter before Bishop Makamu is reinstated back to the channel...We take this recording very seriously...and are reaching out to the lady in the recording to find out the events around the recording.
"On one of our shows, AmaBishop, reveals behind the scenes shenanigans that pastors and bishops engage in and impose on the public. We cannot ignore a recording of this nature where one of our hosts is implicated. We have to establish the facts and truth before Makamu comes back as part of the team.”
Bishop I Makamu voluntarily steps down from Moja LOVE. pic.twitter.com/40bHwBbWha
— MojaLoveTv DStv Channel 157 (@MojaLoveTv) May 11, 2021
On the statement recently shared to TshisaLive, Moja Love stated that the channel has decided to welcome Bishop Makamu back.
"After careful consideration and evaluation, the channel decided to reinstate Bishop Makamu to continue hosting Rea Tsotella. This follows a mediation, which was led by a professional, between the parties involved where they reconciled and agreed on a way forward. Bishop Makamu is great at his job and our audiences love him.” said Head of Moja Channels, Bokani Moyo on the statement.
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Image Cred: Twitter