No bail for Saulsville man accused of raping landlord’s daughter

A 55-year-old foreign national accused of raping a 12-year-old in Saulsville, Pretoria, in March has been denied bail by the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court.

The accused appeared in court on July 16, facing three counts of rape. The case was postponed to July 23 for regional court allocation.

National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, said the accused was charged with allegedly raping his landlord’s 12-year-old daughter.

“On June 25, in the evening, while the complainant was on the phone in the house, her mother asked her who she was talking to, and when she could not respond, the mother requested to go through her phone,” Mahanjana said.

“While going through the phone, she saw inappropriate conversations between the accused and the victim.

“The mother confronted the accused in his back room, where he denied the allegations and requested that they take the child to Kalafong Hospital for examination.

“While at the hospital during examination, one of the nurses called the police, and the accused was arrested on the scene, ” said Mahanjana.

It is alleged that the accused raped the victim on three occasions.

Mahanjana continued, “During his appearance, via his legal representatives, the suspect alleged that he should be granted bail due to weak evidence being presented by the state, among other considerations.

“During the bail hearing, the accused asked to be released on bail, claiming that the state’s case was weak and citing his responsibilities to support his wife and six children.

“He further stated that, as a self-employed individual, detention would hinder his income and ability to afford legal fees.”

State Prosecutor Katlego Manana opposed bail, arguing the severity of the charges and the high prevalence of such offences in the court’s jurisdiction.

Manana also highlighted the risk of the accused interfering with the investigation due to the accused’s familiarity with the victim and her mother, and noted his lack of immovable property in South Africa, increasing the likelihood of him evading trial.

In the end, the magistrate found that the accused did not produce any proof that the accused is self-employed and that no evidence shows that he stays with his family.

She also said that in his bail application, the accused only listed his responsibilities and no substantial circumstances.

Moreover the magistrate said that if the accused suffers financially while in custody, and cannot afford a legal representative, he can apply for Legal Aid. Therefore, bail was denied.

The NPA commended the vigilance of the victim’s mother, whose swift action led to the accused’s arrest, and the hospital staff who moved quickly to get the police involved.

Acting director of public prosecutions Advocate Marika Jansen van Vuuren praised Prosecutor Katlego Manana. “The denial of bail sends a clear message: The NPA will vigorously oppose release for those accused of heinous GBV crimes, prioritising the safety of victims and communities.”

The NPA’s partnership with Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) ensures critical psychosocial support for the victim, reflecting its victim-centric approach.

Families and communities are urged to remain vigilant, report suspected abuse promptly, and support survivors through TCCs, which offer medical, psychological, and legal assistance.

“This case highlights the critical role of parents in recognising signs of abuse and acting decisively.

“The NPA calls on South Africans to unite against GBV, fostering safe environments where children’s constitutional rights to dignity and safety are upheld, and perpetrators face the full might of the law,” Mahanjana concluded.

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