Outraged residents and members of the community protested in front of the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on January 29 as the fast-food manager who allegedly raped a teenage employee, applied for bail.

A fast-food manager (31) at a mall in Potchefstroom has been accused of raping a young employee (19) while on duty.

Colonel Adelé Myburg, spokesperson for the police, says the incident happened on January 17 and it is alleged that the manager called the employee into his office where he proceeded to rape her.

“The incident was reported to the police and the suspect was taken into custody. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the suspect is a foreign national and his passport has expired.”

Outraged residents and members of the community protested in front of the court and people were urged to join the protest on Wednesday.

Maseladi Rabase and Lonny Mogoshene from Dr. Kenneth Kaunda Sanco Women’s Desk were amongst the members of the community who came out to protest the bail application.

“As women, we are angry. We demand no bail. Our government preaches against gender-based violence. We are here to make our voice heard. Our hearts are broken about this brutal behaviour. We are angry at the men who do not respect women, especially our youth. Our youth is vulnerable and desperate for work and then men go and take advantage of that for their own benefit. It is not even our men. It is foreigners who are in our country illegally. It is time to listen to and protect our women. No bail. This perpetrator is a flight risk. We demand for justice to be served,” Rabase said in front of the court.

Tongo Matlou from ward 12 ANC Women’s League added that they are so proud of this young girl who stood up for herself while so many others cannot. She urged other victims of the perpetrator to please come forward.

The bail application was postponed until February 3. The fast-food restaurant has been closed until further notice.