Zim Man Charged with R@ping Landlord’s Daughter Denied Bail
The Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court in Pretoria has refused bail to a 55-year-old man from Zimbabwe, who is accused of raping his landlord’s 12-year-old daughter on three occasions in March.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of Gauteng emphasized its strong commitment to fighting gender-based violence. It also prioritizes the protection of vulnerable children. The accused’s name has not been released to safeguard the victim’s identity.
According to the NPA, the man had been living in the girl’s family home in Saulsville for 12 years. He allegedly lured the girl to his room, raped, and then gave her small amounts of money to buy food.
“On 25 June 2025, in the evening, while the complainant (the young girl) 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. While going through the phone, she saw conversations where the accused (tenant) was asking the complainant when she will be going on her periods.”
She suggested taking the girl to a hospital for an examination, IOL reports.
At the hospital, a nurse alerted the police, leading to the man’s arrest. During the bail hearing, the accused sought release, claiming the state’s case was weak. He sited his responsibilities to his wife and six children. He argued that being in custody would affect his income and ability to pay for legal fees.
However, the state prosecutor opposed bail, citing the serious nature of the charges and the risk the man could interfere with the investigation. The court noted that the accused had no permanent address in South Africa, raising concerns he might flee.
The magistrate pointed out that the man did not provide evidence of his employment status or his ties to his family in South Africa. The application for bail was therefore denied, with the magistrate suggesting that the accused could seek legal aid if needed.
The NPA praised the swift actions of the girl’s mother and the hospital staff, which led to the man’s arrest. Advocate Marika Jansen Van Vuuren, the Acting Director of Public Prosecutions in Gauteng, commended prosecutor Katlego Manana for opposing the bail request.
The NPA stressed the importance of community vigilance in reporting suspected abuse and supporting survivors through resources like Thuthuzela Care Centres, which provide medical and legal assistance.
The case against the accused has been postponed to July 23 for further proceedings.
