Six year old’s family attempts to withdraw sexual assault case against Limpopo radio DJ

The family of a six-year-old girl in Limpopo is attempting to withdraw a sexual assault case against a Limpopo radio DJ despite legal procedures preventing such action.

A 34-year-old radio personality from Vhembe District was arrested on charges of sexually assaulting a minor who is also a relative.

The DJ, who works at a radio station based in Thohoyandou, appeared before the Waterval Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday for a bail application, where family members made their withdrawal request known to authorities.

Sexual offence against children legislation prevents case withdrawal

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson for Limpopo, Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, confirmed the family’s attempt to halt proceedings.

“Yesterday, this matter was on the roll for bail application, the mother of the victim and their grandfather approached the state in the company of the investigating officer.

“They requested to withdraw the case, a withdrawal statement was already filed in the docket,” Malabi-Dzhangi told The Citizen.

The family’s determination to stop the case was evident in their actions.

“They even interrupted the forensic social worker from interviewing the children because they want to withdraw the case,” said Malabi-Dzhangi.

However, Malabi-Dzhangi emphasised that such withdrawal requests cannot be accommodated under current legislation.

According to the legal framework governing sexual offences against children, once a criminal case is lodged with police, it becomes the state’s case, with the complainant’s role limited to that of a state witness.

The legislation stipulates that withdrawal decisions rest solely with the Prosecution Authority and are not taken lightly.

“Cases may only be withdrawn on compelling grounds, such as when a thorough investigation reveals no reasonable prospect of successful prosecution. Where the National Director of Public Prosecutions or Director of Public Prosecutions ordered prosecution, their prior authorisation is required before withdrawal”.

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Details of the minor’s alleged sexual assault

Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba provided details of the investigation and arrest.

The suspect was apprehended on Monday, 19 May 2025, following comprehensive investigations by South African Police Service (Saps) detectives in Waterval.

“Police reports indicate that the incident allegedly occurred on 12 May 2025 at approximately 3.30pm. The girl’s mother, who was in Pretoria at the time, was notified by the child’s grandmother that the minor was unwell,” Mashaba reported.

The mother’s immediate return home revealed the severity of the situation at the time.

“Upon returning home immediately, she learned that the child had already been taken to hospital, where medical examination confirmed sexual assault.

“During subsequent interviews, the child disclosed that the suspect had shown inappropriate material before committing the alleged assault,” Mashaba explained.

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Nature of sexual assault charges

Malabi-Dzhangi clarified the specific nature of the charges against the radio personality.

“Sexual offences does not mean rape only. Under this case, the charge is exposing of pornography involving explicit sexual act,” she explained.

The DJ made his initial court appearance on Tuesday, 20 May 2025, with proceedings postponed to 27 May 2025, for a formal bail application.

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Provincial leadership response

Provincial Commissioner of Saps in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, expressed grave concerns about the case, particularly given the suspect’s position and relationship to the victim.

“It is deeply disturbing when those who should be protecting our children become the very perpetrators who harm them. The suspect’s position as a public figure and family member makes this case particularly troubling, as it represents a profound betrayal of trust,” said Hadebe.

The Provincial Commissioner emphasised the police service’s commitment to child protection regardless of the suspect’s status.

“I want to assure the community that the Saps takes crimes against children extremely seriously, regardless of who the suspect is,” Hadebe concluded.

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Next steps in sexual assault case

Malabi-Dzhangi confirmed that the case will proceed through proper legal channels, despite the family’s attempts to withdraw.

She stated that the docket will be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions for further directives on how to proceed with the prosecution.

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