Court Denies Bail To Rape-Accused School Principal

The National Prosecuting Authority has successfully opposed the bail application, made by the 59-year-old High School principal, Mzimkhulu Abedniko Zibi, who is accused of repeatedly raping a 21-year-old Grade 12 learner.  The accused would allegedly call the learner to his office, in Bhonxa High School in the district of Ntabankulu. The principal allegedly raped the learner twice on two different occasions.

He would allegedly slap the complainant with open hands and threaten her with death if she reported the matter. The complaint reported the rapes to his peers and only reported them to the police after a teacher overheard her outburst to other learners in class.  The accused submitted an affidavit in support of his bail application and chose not to give oral evidence. The state led the evidence of the investigating officer Lieutenant Colonel Queenie Maphipha, who vehemently and vigorously opposed bail. 

Prosecutor Luthando Nomandindi, further argued that the applicant failed to show exceptional circumstances for his release on bail. Magistrate Nozuko Mviko, agreed with the prosecution, that the interests of the complainant in this case, far outweigh those advanced by the accused for his release on bail and that it was not in the interest of justice for him to be released on bail. 

The case has been postponed to 22 July 2022, for the regional court

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Eastern Cape Division

Tel: 047 501 2630

Cell: 073 555 9292

Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za