Mpumalanga man dies by suicide after alleged sextortion and rape accusation

Calvin Kgodisho Shalang, a 41-year-old man from Waterval A, Mpumalanga, died by suicide after a woman he had consensual sex with allegedly filed rape charges against him when he failed to pay R30,000. Shalang, a civil servant, reportedly became distressed by the accusation and the fear of arrest and social stigma. According to a relative, Shalang initially informed his family about the extortion, and they agreed to pay R3,000. However, the woman's father allegedly demanded R30,000, leading to the rape case being opened. Shalang was unable to raise the money and subsequently took his own life, hanging himself before his burial on March 20. Community members expressed anger and disbelief, describing Shalang as well-mannered and popular. A resident stated that the woman, who grew up in the area but relocated, was only present for the weekend of the incident. There are claims that townships in the Bronkhorstspruit area have a history of women targeting men at taverns, having sex, and then threatening them with rape charges, sometimes involving individuals posing as police officers to extort money. Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo had not responded to inquiries at the time of publishing.