Mbabane: Well known comedian, Lungelo ‘Smallz the Comedian’ Gina is faced with serious allegations of rape.
The comedian has since been suspended by The Merchants of Bottomless Laughter and the Standard Bank Eswatini has also followed suit by suspending any activity by its brand influencers (The Merchants of Bottomless Laughter).
Social media had been abuzz since Wednesday morning where posts and screenshots surfaced accusing Smallz the Comedian of rape. The allegations in nature were critical and affecting the reputation of the Merchants of Bottomless Laughter brand as well as Smallz the Comedian brand, which are currently engaged with a lot of corporate institutions including brand Standard Bank.
According to one of the posts that surfaced on social media platforms which is a screenshot of a clinical report states that the victim went to the hospital on January 21, 2021, and was raped by a 25-year-old famous person. It also states that a condom was not used.
The statement released by The Merchants of Bottomless Laughter mentioned that they have learned with shock the serious allegations leveled against the comedian, and to allow the process to go smooth they have indefinitely suspended Smallz the Comedian. The management also stated that the comedian has since surrendered himself to the police to allow a smooth investigation and finding of truth in the matter.
“The Merchants of Bottomless Laughter are saddened, shocked, and disappointed to learn of the rape allegations leveled against one of our members Lungelo ‘Smallz The Comedian’ Gina. “Subsequently, the trio hereby categorically affirm that they do not condone any form of violations towards women – further committing themselves to co-operate with the state/police in any way possible for justice for the victim and importantly, for the persecution of the accused if the accusations are confirmed valid”.
“Ultimately, for the smoothness of this fact-finding process and the sought justice to be smoothly attained – may we announce that Lungelo ‘Smallz’ Gina has this morning surrendered himself to the Manzini Police Station and that he is immediately and indefinitely suspended from ALL The Merchants of Bottomless Laughter activities pending investigations,” reads the statement.
Standard bank Eswatini where Smallz the Comedian, Gogo, and Slwane are currently brand influencers has since suspended any influencer activity with them.
Standard Bank said that it has come to their attention that their brand influencers have serious allegations leveled against them.
“As a bank, we wish to make it clear that we do not align ourselves with any form of misconduct and in particular that of a misogynistic nature or in violation of the rights and dignity of women and girls.
The bank also stated that it advocates for gender equity and the fight against all forms of gender-based violence through the HeForShe initiatives. Consequently, the bank has suspended all Standard Bank-related activities and duties performed by the affected brand influencers pending the outcome of formal investigations.
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