Cape Town singing star James Bhemgee and an unidentified female were arrested on Saturday for the rape and kidnapping of a teenage Mitchells Plain girl.
The girl is believed to be a pupil at a school near Bhemgee’s home in Cuckoo Street, Rocklands.
Police confirmed the arrests and the community confirmed the allegations.
According to a source close to the victim, Bhemgee, 55, was in a relationship with the teen.
“We heard about her being with James Bhemgee before, but didn’t want to make any speculation or trouble, so we just left these rumours. Now we hear he has been arrested for her rape,” says the source.
Community reports of Bhemgee’s arrest caused a stir on social media on Sunday.
Social media post.
Residents claimed the female was his accomplice.
A 38-year-old man, who asked not to be identified, said the woman had lured the teenage girl to a house where her boyfriend and Bhemgee were.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana confirmed the arrests: “Please be advised that two suspects, aged 55 and 30, were arrested by Mitchells Plain FCS detective in connection with rape and kidnapping case. They are due to appear in court once charged.”
PROBE: Noloyiso Rwexana
Bhemgee became a household name as “the singing dustman”.
His operatic prowess and powerful rendition of Nessun Dorma helped him to win the SA’s Got Talent TV talent show in 2010.