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Muslim Scholar Breaks Silence After False Rape Allegations Spark Outrage

A Week of Turmoil and Misinformation
A respected Muslim scholar from Cape Town has broken his silence after being accused of rape in a case that quickly spread across social media. The man, a well-known Mufti, was arrested last week on the East Rand but released shortly afterwards when police confirmed there was not enough evidence to charge him.
The allegations claimed he had assaulted and manipulated an elderly woman into a secret marriage, even defrauding her of money. These claims circulated rapidly on Facebook, TikTok, and X, with many users treating them as fact before an official investigation had even begun.
Released Without Charge
The Mufti’s legal team says he never appeared in court and was released from custody soon after his arrest. His attorneys explained that the arrest was procedural following a complaint and that there is currently no prima facie evidence to justify a prosecution.
“If new evidence surfaces, authorities may reopen the matter, but for now there is no case against him,” said his legal representative.
‘Targeted Campaign’ on Social Media
According to his attorneys, the scholar has been the victim of a deliberate smear campaign online. They described the allegations as “deeply offensive” and “unequivocally defamatory,” adding that the ongoing vilification is harming his reputation and the community’s trust.
In a statement, they said, “These false allegations were spread by individuals calling themselves human-rights activists, who, ironically, have violated the very principles they claim to uphold. They shared one-sided accusations without evidence and without allowing our client a chance to respond.”
The Mufti, they added, is “disappointed and deeply concerned” about how quickly misinformation has spread and has called for fairness and accountability from those posting on public platforms.
Denials and Legal Steps Ahead
The scholar firmly denies any wrongdoing, maintaining that the claims against him are completely untrue. His attorneys stressed that there is “clear evidence” disproving the allegations and warned that further defamation proceedings may follow if false statements continue to circulate.
They also clarified that in some cases, police may arrest someone simply after a complaint is filed, even without corroborating evidence, as part of procedural compliance. “His arrest was not an admission of guilt nor confirmation that the allegations were credible,” the statement read.
For now, the Mufti says his focus is on restoring his reputation and protecting his family from the emotional fallout. His legal team has vowed to take action against anyone who continues to share defamatory content or misinformation about the case.
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Source: The Citizen
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