There were traumatic scenes at the Glencoe Magistrate’s Court on Friday morning when a mother cried bitterly shortly before the appearance of the teenager accused of raping her 14-year-old girl. The girl was raped in Sithembile the previous weekend. The mother, who cannot be named, was with a large group of women who all came out to voice their support.

They told interpreter, Sibusiso Mtshali, that it was not right that the boy had raped this girl. There was confusion about the accused’s age and if he was under 18 but according to a social workers report he is 16 and is currently being held in a juvenile detention centre near Newcastle.

Magistrate Cassim said the mother could take up any concerns she had with the case with the State Prosecutor, Mrs Kikia. The case will have to be held in camera as both the accused and the victim are underage. The mother and her support group then filed out of court. The women said they were angry that nothing would happen to the boy as he was under age. The investigation is continuing.