The bail hearing for the man accused of raping his own children has been postponed

A 41-year-old man appeared in the Tonga Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, November 7 for a bail hearing.

He was arrested on October 19 for allegedly raping his two minor daughters. The charges were later increased to three counts of rape after police discovered he had also allegedly raped his eldest daughter.

One of the victims had told his sister about the ordeal, who later told a friend at school. The friend alerted the school teachers. Eventually some social workers were called in, who informed the police.

His bail hearing was postponed until November 11 because an African interpreter was not available.

Some ANC members in Nkomazi came out en masse to support the mother and family of the victims. “We are here to support the family and especially the children. For girls, the father is the most supportive structure, and it is despicable that the man who was supposed to protect them is the one who subjects them to such cruel acts. As leaders of society, it is our duty to support community members regardless of race or social status. Sometimes the victims just need to know that they are seen and supported and that is why we are here,” said Thandeka Dlamini Makamo, member of the Ehlanzeni Regional Executive Committee.

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She said they were disappointed the bail hearing could not go ahead and confirmed they would be back at the next hearing to oppose it. “We don’t want this man to be released on bail. Such perpetrators should be kept in prison where they belong. We will see this case through to sentencing and we want the children to get the justice they deserve. We believe in the justice system,” she added.