THE ANC councillor in the dock at the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on charges that include rape, and his two co-accused, responded in the positive to the presiding officer’s explanation that if convicted for this charge they could face life imprisonment.

This after the schedule of the offence had to be changed when the court learned during proceedings on Thursday (October 22) that the victim of the alleged rape is 15-years-old.

The State prosecutor told the magistrate that this came to their attention after consulting with the alleged victim whose birth certificate has been filed with the court.

The prosecutor said until that moment, the age of the alleged victim had been recorded as 20 years.

The magistrate also urged the Upper Highway area councillor and his co-accused, who all appeared before the court virtually from the Westville Correctional Centre, to “please desist” from being involved in any way in the alleged interference with State witnesses, including the victim, and to urge their family members to do the same.

The prosecutor had told the court that an allegation of interference had surfaced, that includes that family members of one of the accused are allegedly interfering with the alleged victim.

“Those involved could face further charges in respect of that,” cautioned the magistrate.

Also read: ANC councillor among suspects arrested for rape and kidnapping

The defence for all three told the court that they were not aware of these allegations.

The matter was adjourned for further investigations, with the councillor and his co-accused due back in court on December 10.

The accused, who were previously refused bail, will remain in custody.

The three were arrested on charges of rape, kidnapping, pointing of a firearm and assault.

It is alleged that the rape was committed by all three suspects. It is reported that the alleged incident occurred at a premises in New Germany.

The court previously heard that the investigating officer had stated that according to the alleged victim, she is not the councillor’s girlfriend, which contradicts the version allegedly put forward by him, who is accused one in the matter.

For sexual offences, the accused cannot be named until they have pleaded, in accordance with South African law.

For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter here