The Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court has denied bail to a 55-year-old Zimbabwean national from Saulsville, charged with three counts of raping his landlord’s 12-year-old daughter in March 2025.
The accused, a tenant at the victim’s residence for 12 years, allegedly lured the girl to his back room on three separate occasions. There, he raped her, and paid her between R24 and R50 to buy a Kota (popular township fast food delicacy).
Victim’s mother found SMSes in her phone
In court, it was revealed that the abuse came to light on 25 June 2025, when the victim’s mother. She became suspicious of her daughter’s phone conversation and discovered messages from the accused inquiring about the girl’s menstrual cycle.
Confronting the accused, the mother was met with denials. But he suggested a medical examination at Kalafong Hospital. There, a nurse alerted the police, leading to his immediate arrest.
State Prosecutor Katlego Manana opposed bail, citing the gravity of the charges and the prevalence of such crimes in the area.
“The accused’s familiarity with the victim and her mother poses a significant risk of interference with the investigation,” Manana told the court.
She further noted the accused’s lack of immovable property in South Africa, increasing the likelihood of him fleeing.
“These are heinous crimes against a child. And the state will not allow perpetrators to walk free while investigations continue,” she said.
Accused pleads not guilty
The accused, through his legal representative, argued for bail. He claimed a weak state case and his need to support his wife and six children as a self-employed individual.
However, the magistrate dismissed these claims. She highlighted the absence of proof of employment or family ties in South Africa.
“The accused’s bail application lacks substantial circumstances and merely lists responsibilities,” the magistrate stated. The accused was informed that Legal Aid was available if he could not afford representation.
The case is postponed to July 23 2025 for regional court allocation.
