The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirms that the charges against the 36-year-old Mpho Meshack Pilane have been retracted.  

According to the NPA's regional spokesperson, Henry Momothame, the alleged rape and abduction charges against Pilane were in relation to two girls aged 15 and 16. This follows the alleged sexual assault of the girls in a guest house in Delareyville. Mamothame adds that the charges pressed against Pilane were for two counts of rape and two counts of abduction respectively.

"The withdrawal was due to lack of sufficient evidence for the state to can prosecute successfully. The docket has since been returned to the SAPS," said Mamothame.

OFM News previously reported that the aforesaid charges laid against Pilane took place a few days after the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) adopted the step-aside policy which was suggested at the party’s 54th national conference.  

The question now being asked, is whether arises is whether Momothame will now be reinstated as mayor. The North West ANC's Inter-Provincial Coordinator (IPC), Hlomane Chauke, said this matter will be discussed during a meeting on Tuesday afternoon.

OFM News/Lee Simmons