Vilakazi’s rape acquittal welcomed

The soccer fraternity has welcomed Orlando Pirates star Benedict Vilakazi’s acquittal on charges of rape and statutory rape in the Johannesburg magistrate's court. Vilakazi was accused of raping a 15-year-old girl last year. The State earlier asked the court to drop the charge of rape, but retain the charge of statutory rape. Vilakazi pleaded not guilty on both counts. He told the court he had an affair with the girl, believing that she was over the age of consent, which is 16.