A 30-YEAR-OLD man from Wyebank appeared at the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday (May 5) after he was arrested in March for the alleged statutory rape of a 15-year-old girl.

The man, who is out on bail, is due back in court on June 19 as investigations continue.

Gender-based violence (GBV) activists who work closely with police stations in the Durban West district were at the court to show support to the victim and her mother.

One of the activists, Wandile Dladla, said the mother greatly appreciated the show of support, and is eager for justice to take its course.

Dladla said the victim attends monthly counselling sessions at a local Thuthuzela Care Centre.

According to the police in Pinetown, a case of statutory rape was opened at the station after the incident was reported on March 2.

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“The incident is alleged to have occurred on February 22 at approximately 13:00 in the Wyebank area.

“According to available information, the complaint was lodged by the biological mother of the victim after receiving information regarding alleged statutory rape involving her 15-year-old daughter and a male believed to be approximately 30-years-old.

“A suspect was subsequently arrested on 2 March 2026 and has appeared in court. The court granted bail,” said the station’s communications officer, Jennifer Naidu, who added that the case is being investigated by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.

With May being Child Protection Month, Dladla said as GBV activists in the district they will continue with their awareness-raising work and campaigns, which it is hoped will culminate with a march in the Pinetown area during Child Protection Week.

Dladla urged that local police stations and prosecutors work in collaboration with the GBV activists who work closely with victims and their families.

“We call on other activists and stakeholders to also take part in our campaigns,” said Dladla, who explained that these are carried out in public areas, including government institutions and facilities such as clinics.

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