Rape charges struck off roll due to outstanding evidence

THE RAPE charges against Dr Ilunga Kalasa have been struck off the roll due to outstanding evidence.

Kalasa, who is not registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, was charged with the rape of a 17-year-old patient in August 2022, as well as the sexual assault of a 25-year-old patient in April last year.

Another 17-year-old patient withdrew charges of rape against Kalasa in 2021.

Kalasa was undergoing training as an assistant at Dr Nhlapo’s practice in Kimberley at the time of his arrest.

He holds a medical certificate from the University of Kamina in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), dated May 2017.

The 17-year-old girl was allegedly raped in the examination room on August 15 last year when she consulted Kalasa after experiencing heart pain.

Legal representative Kenneth Juries stated on Wednesday that five months had passed since Kalasa was charged, while evidence, including DNA tests and witness statements, was still outstanding.

"At this stage, there is no evidence to link my client to any of the charges. The State can place the matter back on the roll if and when they are ready to proceed," said Juries.

He added that Kalasa was released from custody last month, where no conditions were attached.

“My client is free to leave the country if he so wishes.”

According to the prosecution, Kalasa’s work permit and visiting visa had expired.

His wife and child reside in the DRC.

A concerned community member, Herbert Miller, expressed disappointment in the justice system.

“It is understandable that DNA results may take some time as there are only two forensic laboratories in the country. The case has not been on the roll for very long - Kalasa should have remained in custody until the results are available. The charges against him are serious as they are sexual offences involving young girls who have been left without any recourse,” said Miller.

He added that the matter should be escalated to the South African Human Rights Commission.

“Kalasa is not supposed to practise as he is not recognised as a medical doctor in South Africa. There is a risk that he may flee the borders, where he may never be held accountable for his actions or be deterred from committing similar offences against minors and patients in the future.”

The case attracted widespread interest, with community members and school pupils staging pickets outside the court building.