Father accused of raping daughters: Bail hearing postponed in Mpumalanga

A 41-year-old man accused of allegedly raping his two minor daughters appeared in the Tonga Magistrate’s Court in Mpumalanga for a bail hearing yesterday.

He was arrested on October 19. The charges were later increased to three counts of rape after the police found he had allegedly raped his oldest daughter, too.

One of the victims had told their sister about the rape, who later told a friend at school. The friend alerted the school teachers. Social workers were brought in and they informed the police.

His bail hearing was postponed until Monday due to the unavailability of an Afrikaans interpreter.

Some ANC members in Nkomazi came out to support the victims’ mother and family.

“We are here to support the family and especially the children. For girls, the most supportive structure is their fathers, and it is despicable that the man who was supposed to protect them is the one subjecting them to such cruel acts. As a leader of society, our duty is to support community members regardless of race or social standing. Sometimes all the victims need is to know that they are seen and supported and we are here for that,” says Thandeka Dlamini Makamo, a member of the Ehlanzeni’s Regional Executive Committee.

She says they are disappointed that the bail hearing could not proceed, and confirmed they will be at the next hearing again to oppose it.

“We don’t want this man to be given bail. Such perpetrators need to be kept in jail where they belong. We will attend this case right until sentencing and we want the children to be given the justice they so deserve. We believe in the justice system,” she adds.