Update on the Bishop Roxley Masevhe Case, Timelines, Arrest, and Withdrawal

In the world of South African gospel music and religious leadership, few names have sparked as much controversy in recent years as Bishop Roxley Masevhe. The Limpopo-based musician and founder of Fire Temple Ministries in Itsani found himself at the centre of a high-profile legal battle involving serious allegations of sexual misconduct.

As of August 20, 2025, the case remains in limbo, with charges withdrawn but potentially subject to reinstatement. Below, we break down the key details, including names, amounts, durations, and the latest developments.

The Allegations and Key Players

Bishop Fhatuwani Roxley Masevhe, a 64-year-old renowned gospel artist known for hits like Sathane Ndi Mufhuri, was accused of raping a 17-year-old girl, reported to be his stepdaughter. The allegations surfaced in early 2024, painting a disturbing picture of abuse within a position of trust and authority.

• Accused: Bishop Fhatuwani Roxley Masevhe.
• Victim: A 17-year-old girl (identity protected for privacy and legal reasons; described as Masevhe’s stepdaughter in initial reports).
• Prosecution Side: The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), with spokesperson Mashudu Malabi Dzhangi providing official statements.
• Community Voices: Ms. Thelma Marole of the Vhembe United Group expressed public disappointment over the case’s handling, advocating for justice for the victim and her family.

The charges included statutory rape and assault, with Masevhe initially facing up to 11 counts of rape. These serious accusations highlighted broader concerns about power dynamics in religious communities and the protection of minors.

Timeline of Events: Durations and Key Dates

The case unfolded over more than a year, marked by arrests, court appearances, and procedural delays. Here’s a chronological breakdown:

• January 2023 to Early January 2024: The alleged rapes occurred during this 12-month period, according to court documents. The victim reportedly endured repeated assaults before coming forward.
• January 8, 2024: Masevhe was arrested following the victim’s complaint at the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court. He spent approximately one month in custody.
• January 19, 2024: Bail application delayed due to procedural issues.
• January 26, 2024: Further delays in the bail hearing; Masevhe remained in pretrial detention.
• February 1, 2024: Bail granted at R20,000 with stringent conditions including no contact with the victim and regular reporting to authorities. The case was postponed to April 15, 2024, for further investigation.
• July 26, 2024: The charges were officially withdrawn, and the case was struck off the court roll. The NPA cited “delays” as the reason, including the need for a decision from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

This withdrawal came after the court refused additional postponements, but it’s important to note that it does not equate to an acquittal or exoneration. The docket was forwarded to the DPP for a final decision on whether to reinstate the charges.

Financial Details: Bail and Other Amounts

• Bail Amount: R20,000, set by the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court. This was paid for Masevhe’s release after nearly a month in jail, reflecting the court’s assessment of flight risk and the severity of the charges.
  No other financial details, such as fines or settlements, have been publicly disclosed, as the case did not proceed to trial.

Current Status as of August 2025

More than a year after the withdrawal, there have been no public announcements regarding the DPP’s decision. Searches across news outlets, social media, and legal databases yield no new developments, suggesting the case remains dormant.

Community groups like Vhembe United continue to call for transparency and a potential trial to ensure accountability. Masevhe, meanwhile, has resumed some public activities, including gospel performances, as evidenced by recent event listings featuring him alongside other artists.

This lack of resolution has left many questions unanswered. Advocates argue that withdrawing charges due to procedural delays risks undermining victims’ trust in the justice system. If the DPP opts to prosecute, Masevhe could face summons and a full trial, potentially reviving the case in the coming months.

Stay tuned for updates-if the DPP makes a decision, it could reignite public interest and debate. For now, the withdrawal stands as the last major milestone in this contentious saga.

Sources: This article draws from verified reports by Zoutnet, Limpopo Chronicle, and NPA statements. All details are based on publicly available information as of August 20th, 2025.