Bail Denied For Stepfather Who Raped A Minor
A 30-year-old man appeared in the Thohoyandou Magistrates Court in connection with two counts of rape, sexual assault, five counts of child abuse, as well as one of assault with intent to cause grievously bodily harm. The man from Tshitereke village in Vhembe District is alleged to have preyed on an 11-year-old boy and his mother. The presiding officer Mukoma Maiwashe said the applicant failed to prove his exceptional circumstances and could likely be a danger and bail is denied.
The offences are alleged to have taken place between 2020 and 2021 but were only reported on 21 November 2021 after the victim had told his relative. The child could not tell his mother as he was also abused by the boyfriend. During his bail appearance, the man submitted an affidavit indicating that he would lose his job and suffer financial loss by spending time in custody while he is innocent.
The prosecution opposed bail and called a state witness who indicated the applicant had a case in August 2020, of assault with intent to cause grievously bodily harm where the complainant was the mother of the same boy. She was his girlfriend, pregnant with the accused’s child. The mother reconciled with the accused and the case was withdrawn.
The witness further told the court that the accused would interfere with witnesses, as he had access to their homestead and the victims were afraid of him. It is feared that he might intimidate them not to testify against him. The witness told the court that the accused is working with children at a local primary school and there was a likelihood that he could violate more children.
During the address to the court, the prosecutor Ms Petronela Mudau said that the accused is an employee of the Department of Education, employed as an assistant teacher at the lower primary school wherein he works with minor children.
The National Prosecuting Authority(NPA) and Police condemn in the strongest possible terms, that the abuse of children and crimes against women and children will not be tolerated.
The case was postponed to 28 February 2022 for DPP’s decision.
Issued by:
Mashudu Malabi Dzhangi
Regional Spokesperson: Limpopo Division
0748233603