South Africa Declines to Prosecute Finance Minister on Assault Charges
(Bloomberg) -- South Africa’s state prosecutor decided against pressing charges of sexual assault against Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.
Most Read from Bloomberg
John Paulson on Frothy US Housing Market: This Time Is Different
Bank of England Says Paper Banknotes Only Good for One More Week
The Great Bond Bubble Is ‘Poof, Gone’ in Worst Year Since 1949
‘Read Putin More Often and Carefully,’ Lavrov Tells the World
“The decision follows a thorough assessment of all available evidence and after consultations with the complainant who expressly did not wish to proceed with the case despite being offered all the necessary support,” the National Prosecuting Authority said in a statement on Friday.
Godongwana was accused last month of sexual assault by an employee at the Kruger National Park who was offering massage services to guests in their rooms. The minister’s office issued a statement at the time denying the allegation.
Godongwana, who has been finance minister since August 2021, had said he would quit if charged, in compliance with the governing African National Congress’s so-called step-aside rule. He’s currently set to present the government’s medium-term budget policy statement scheduled for Oct. 26.
Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek
US Is Inflating Its Debt Away After Unprecedented Spending Binge
This Is What Life’s Like in the World’s Strictest Covid Zero City
To Find Success at Work, Match Your Job With Your Personality
In Dozens of Lawsuits Parents Blame Meta, TikTok for Hooking Kids
©2022 Bloomberg L.P.