Tol Ass Mo vs Lerato Moloi verdict sparks explosive debate around rape culture

It’s been 2 years since model and actress, Lerato Moloi came forward with rape allegations against retired comedian, Mongezi Mahlangu, popularly knows as Tol Ass Mo. According to Lerato, the incident took place while they were working on a production in 2014.

Tol Ass Mo refuted the claims while several women in the industry rallied behind Lerato, and the IbelieveLeratoMoloi Hashtag went viral. The comedian’s wife Mome Mahlangu, came under fire for supporting “a rapist” after she stated that she would be standing by her husband.

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On Tuesday, the 16th of August, a court ruling found Tol Ass Mo innocent of the rape allegations levelled against him. Following the court ruling, the retired comedian has been demanding public apologies from those who considered him guilty before the court’s ruling. Further threatening legal action should they fail to comply.

The issue is a contentious one however, and fans are clearly divided. Not everyone is convinced by the verdict as the IbelieveLeratoMoloi hashtag continues to garner support. Meanwhile the Tol Ass Mo camp is more concerned with ensuring that Lerato faces the full wrath of the law.

These are just some of the reactions on Twitter

SA' justice system has a poor track record when it comes to handling rape cases. How is it that 1 in 4 South African women will be raped in their lifetime yet our conviction rate is under 11%. #IBelieveLeratoMoloi and all survivors who never got justice. May we all find healing
— Wanderer (@Wonder_and_live) August 18, 2022

I, like many others, believe you 💜

And I'm so sorry justice was denied to you 💔

I hope you are in touch with @WLCCapeTown #IBelieveLeratoMoloi
— Simamkele Dlakavu (@simamkeleD) August 18, 2022

While you teach your daughters to speak up and not allow people to touch them, teach your sons to not touch others inappropriately and to speak up when they see their friends doing so!

Lerato Moloi || Randall Williams || Isibaya
— Nxonxie (@KhanyaMasele) August 18, 2022

Lerato Moloi Toll Ass Mo walking free just shows how our Justice system is protecting these celebrities musicians Nampree was raped DJ Fresh and Dj Euphonik walked free,Sjava raped Lady Zamar she was called an liar too Jub Jub raped Amanda Du Pont nothing was done disgusting pic.twitter.com/HABSRfJmUG
— IG:Joy-Zelda (@joy_zelda) August 18, 2022

With all we know about rape and the SA justice system, I refuse to climb onto the bandwagon of bashing Lerato Moloi. Acquittal is not necessary evidence for innocence!
— Tums (@_TumiMS) August 18, 2022

Since Tall Ass Mo was found innocent on his rape allegations against Lerato Moloi. Can he get the justice and Lerato face the music? It's time women who lie about rape also face the same consequences that rapists get. Those who painted Mo as a rapist, should apologize publicly
— Tšhegofatšo 📿![CDATA[]]>📿![CDATA[]]>🐾 (@MaabuleM) August 17, 2022

My view about Tall A$$ MO and Lerato Moloi saga is.. It's either:

- an affair went wrong
- cancel calture went wrong
- actual rape
- or character assassination went wrong

Only the two of them knows exactly what went down that day. I pray for God to take care of the real victim
— MphozA_SA🇿![CDATA[]]>🇦 (@mphoseeri) August 18, 2022