Soccer star Benedict Vilakazi was acquitted on charges of rape and statutory rape in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday, South African Broadcasting Corporation radio news reported.
Vilakazi was accused of raping a 15-year-old girl last year.
Earlier, the state 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 a love affair with the girl, believing that she was over the age of consent, which is 16.
When the verdict was announced on Friday, the court erupted with cheers.
Activist group People Opposed to Woman Abuse, however, said it is disappointed with the verdict. — Sapa