POTCHEFSTROOM – A 42-year-old man was remanded in custody after his first appearance in the Stilfontein Magistrates’ Court yesterday, for the alleged rape of his 13-year-old step-daughter. The accused’s court appearance stems from his arrest on Saturday, 5 October 2019, after he allegedly raped the minor at their home in Khuma, outside Klerksdorp.

According to information at our disposal, the mother left the minor and two other children under the care of their step-father to attend a family gathering. It is alleged that the accused sent the younger siblings, aged four and five to a spaza shop. Allegations further state that the 13-year-old was busy taking a bath, when the father entered the room and raped her. The victim’s uncle who stays in a back room in the same yard, allegedly heard the minor crying and called other family members. The latter, after finding out what happened to the victim, reported the matter to the police and the 42-year-old suspect was arrested. It is alleged that the minor also disclosed that it was not the first time that the step-father raped her.

The accused is expected to reappear in court on Wednesday, 16 October 2019 for a formal bail application.

The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, condemned the incident and committed that the police will do anything possible to ensure that the accused remains in custody. She said further that it is sad that the child was violated by someone who was supposed to protect her and that the incident took place amid calls for drastic action against perpetrators of Gender Based Violence.

Source: South African Police Service