S.Africa: Rape of minors by senior government official – additional rape charge laid
An additional rape charge has been laid against a 49-year-old senior Local Government official who is a Director at a certain municipality in Gauteng for allegation of raping yet another minor.
This additional charge emanated after a 14-years-old girl reported that in 2014 she was raped by the suspect who is her neighbour and well-known to her as an uncle to her friend. The victim, who was seven-year-old at the time, revealed that she was playing with the suspect’s niece when he sent her (niece) to the shop. The suspect then took the victim to his room where he took off her clothes and raped her. She further stated that the suspect threatened to kill her if she tells anyone.
The victim also indicated that she was living in fear ever since the ordeal happened and when she heard that the suspect was arrested last Friday for allegations of rape, she eventually had the courage to break the silence and reported the matter to police. In collaboration with the department of social development, the girl was removed to a place of safety after a thorough assessment was made at the place where she resided.
The suspect together with his 36-year-old wife were arrested on Friday, 23 April 2021, allegedly for a case of rape involving two minors aged between 13 and 15 years old. It is reported that the wife, who is referred to as an aunt to the victims, forced them to have sexual intercourse with her husband in exchange for meals.
The suspects were eventually exposed by a concerned citizen which led to their arrests.
The suspects appeared before the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 26 April 2021, for a charge of two counts of rape. They were remanded in custody until 29 April 2021 for a formal bail application.
The man will make his first appearance for the alleged rape of the 14-year-old tomorrow.