Man who allegedly rapes stepdaughter gets free bail in Evander court
“The incident didn't just affect my 12-year-old daughter, but also her nine-year-old sibling who saw it happen,” says mother.
The Evander Magistrate’s Court released a man who allegedly raped his 12-year-old stepdaughter in Ext 22, eMbalenhle, earlier this month.
The suspect was released on free bail with the strict bail conditions that he must not go to eMbalenhle, pending the finalisation of his case. He was also told not to interfere with the witnesses in the case.
Community members who were picketing outside the court, including the victim’s mother, were displeased with the court’s decision.
“We understand that the suspect has a right to bail, but what about the victim he had allegedly raped?” the mother asked.
“The incident didn’t just affect my 12-year-old daughter, but also her nine-year-old sibling who saw it happen.
“Both my children are traumatised while the court released the suspect,” the woman angrily said.
The suspect allegedly offered his stepdaughter alcohol on the night of August 8. When she refused to drink it, he allegedly grabbed her, placed a cloth in her mouth and allegedly raped her.
This allegedly happened at their home in Ext 22 while the victim’s mother was away. The suspect allegedly warned the victim not to tell anyone about what had happened.
The newspaper withheld names of the mother and the suspect to protect the victim who is a minor child. The case was postponed to September 4 for further investigation.
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