Family faces more trauma as rape trial of trusted hairdresser is delayed
An Alexandra family feels betrayed as the court case involving the rape of their cognitively limited 22-year-old daughter by a local hairdresser is delayed once again.
The family of a 22‑year‑old woman with cognitive limitations is grappling with trauma and demanding justice after the rape trial of a trusted local hairdresser was postponed to June.
The accused, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim, appeared briefly in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. He is facing charges in connection with the rape of a vulnerable woman on two separate occasions at his salon last year.
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The matter, delayed multiple times as the accused sought state‑funded legal representation, has now been set down for trial on June 9. He has remained in custody since being denied bail in 2025.
According to the family, the first incident occurred in May last year, when the victim visited the salon to have her hair washed. A second assault allegedly followed in June. The family only learned of the ordeal two months later, and reported the matter to police.
The 72‑year‑old grandmother emphasised how they feel betrayed by the hairdresser they had supported for years, saying the accused exploited her granddaughter’s vulnerabilities and threatened her into silence.
“She is a child who has cognitive limitations, and so he took advantage of her, saying if she says a word about the incident, he would assault her.”
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She said, what makes the alleged crimes especially painful is the trust they had placed in the accused. The grandmother regularly sent her granddaughter to the salon, believing she was helping a familiar local business owner.
“My child used to sit with him. When she goes to the salon, I would give her money and tell her to go and do her hair. I thought I am supporting them because I know they don’t work.”
The incident has left the victim in pain, and she is now struggling to cope with stress, according to the grandmother. “It is always on her mind. From time to time, she speaks about it. It really hurt her. She is not okay.”
The family says they have endured enough suffering and are now focused on seeing justice served so their loved one can begin to heal.
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