A 44-year-old man accused of raping and sexually grooming children appeared in the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court on September 16.

The accused faces two counts of rape and two counts of sexual grooming. His identity is being withheld to protect the children and prevent secondary victimisation.

Accused allegedly promises cellphones for sexual acts

NPA Limpopo spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzangi said the accused allegedly recruited learners from a school in Groblersdal and took them to his rented room.

He allegedly filmed the children naked, gave them money and compelled them to perform sexual acts on him under the pretence that they would receive cellphones.

The alleged offences came to light when the accused attempted to recruit more learners from the same school.

Information about the alleged recruitment was disclosed at the school, and the matter was subsequently reported to the police, leading to his arrest.

State opposes bail as community protests outside court

The State opposed his bail application, and he remains in custody. The matter was postponed to September 23 to allow the accused to obtain legal representation and for further investigation.

Malabi-Dzangi said the National Prosecuting Authority views allegations of sexual offences against children in a serious light and will prioritise the prosecution, taking into account the vulnerability of the complainants.

Local community members gathered outside the court to protest against the accused’s possible release on bail.

Simon Kgagara, leader of the March and March campaign in Sekhukhune District, said the protesters wanted the accused to remain behind bars.

The accused had not yet secured legal representation at the time of postponement and could not be reached for comment.