Latest news with #LumkaMahanjana
The Citizen
7 days ago
- The Citizen
Zimbabwean man accused of raping landlord's daughter denied bail
The magistrate flagged weaknesses in the bail application, citing lack of proof of self-employment and unclear family residence. The Atteridgeville Magistrate's Court has denied bail to a 55-year-old Zimbabwean national charged with three counts of raping his landlord's 12-year-old daughter in March. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the decision. 'The NPA's firm opposition to bail underscores its unwavering commitment to combating gender-based violence (GBV) and protecting vulnerable children,' said Lumka Mahanjana, NPA Regional Spokesperson for Gauteng Division, Pretoria. The allegations The accused, who had been a tenant at the victim's Saulsville residence for 12 years, allegedly lured the child to his back room on three separate occasions in March. According to the charges, he raped her and gave her money ranging from R24 to R50 to buy a Kota after each incident. Mahanjana said the case came to light on 25 June 2025 when the victim's mother discovered suspicious phone conversations. While the complainant was on the phone that evening, her mother asked who she was speaking to, and when she could not respond, requested to examine her phone. 'While going through the phone, she saw conversations where the accused was asking the complainant when will she be going on her periods,' Mahanjana explained. Man arrested after victim's examination The mother immediately confronted the accused in his back room. The accused denied the allegations and suggested that they take the child to Kalafong Hospital for examination. During the medical examination at the hospital, a nurse contacted police, leading to the accused's arrest at the scene. ALSO READ: More than 2 600 wanted criminals linked to violent crimes arrested in South Africa Bail hearing arguments During the bail proceedings, the accused's legal representative argued for his release. He claimed that the state's case was weak, emphasising his responsibilities to support his wife and six children. 'He further stated that, as a self-employed individual, detention would hinder his income and ability to afford legal fees,' according to court records. State Prosecutor Katlego Manana opposed the bail application, focusing on the severity of the charges and the high prevalence of such offences in the court's jurisdiction. Manana emphasised the risk of the accused interfering with the investigation due to his familiarity with both the victim and her mother. The prosecutor also noted the accused's lack of immovable property in South Africa, which increased the likelihood of his evading trial. ALSO READ: 'Fishing expedition': NPA criticised for trying to reopen Omotoso rape trial Weaknesses in Zimbabwean national's bail application The presiding magistrate identified several weaknesses in the bail application. She noted that the accused failed to provide proof of his claimed self-employment status and presented no evidence showing whether his family resides in South Africa or Zimbabwe. 'She further said that in his bail application, the accused only listed his responsibilities and no substantial circumstances,' Mahanjana reported. 'Moreover, the magistrate said if the accused suffers financially while in custody and cannot afford a legal representative, he can apply for Legal Aid. 'Therefore, bail was denied.' ALSO READ: Withdrawn GBV cases allow 'perpetrators to evade justice', hears portfolio committee NPA response The NPA commended both the victim's mother for her vigilance and the hospital staff who facilitated police involvement. Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Marika Jansen Van Vuuren praised Prosecutor Katlego Manana's work on the case. 'The denial of bail sends a clear message: the NPA will vigorously oppose release for those accused of heinous GBV crimes, prioritising the safety of victims and communities,' Van Vuuren stated. Call for community action The NPA emphasised the importance of community alertness in protecting children from abuse. 'The NPA urges families and communities to remain vigilant, report suspected abuse promptly, and support survivors through Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs), which offer medical, psychological, and legal assistance,' Mahanjana said. She stated the broader implications of the case, noting that 'this case highlights the critical role of parents in recognising signs of abuse and acting decisively.' The prosecution authority called on South Africans to unite against gender-based violence, working to create safe environments where children's constitutional rights to dignity and safety are upheld, and perpetrators face the full might of the law. The case has been postponed to 23 July 2025 for allocation to the regional court. READ NEXT: Free State father sentenced to life for daughter's rape
IOL News
7 days ago
- IOL News
Pretoria court denies bail to Zimbabwean man accused of raping landlord's minor daughter
The 55-year-old Zimbabwean man allegedly called the 12-year-old girl into his backroom on three separate occasions, raped her, and gave her money ranging from R24 to R50 to buy kotas. Image: File The Atteridgeville Magistrate's Court in Pretoria has denied bail to a 55-year-old Zimbabwean national based in Saulsville, who was charged with three counts of raping his landlord's 12-year-old daughter. The horrific rape incidents allegedly happened in March. 'The NPA's firm opposition to bail underscores its unwavering commitment to combating gender-based violence (GBV) and protecting vulnerable children,' said the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Gauteng regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana. The name of the alleged rapist has been withheld to protect the identity of the minor victim. Mahanjana explained that the accused man had been a tenant at the girl's family home in Saulsville for 12 years as of March. He allegedly called the 12-year-old girl to his back room in the yard on three separate occasions, raped her, and gave her money ranging from R24 to R50 to buy kotas. '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,' said Mahanjana. The mother confronted the tenant in his back room, where he denied the allegations and requested that they take the child to Kalafong Hospital in Tshwane for examination. While at the hospital during examination, one of the nurses called the police, and the accused was arrested on the scene. 'During the bail hearing, the accused, through his legal representative, asked to be released on bail, claiming that the state's case was weak and citing his responsibilities to support his wife and six children. He further stated that, as a self-employed individual, detention would hinder his income and ability to afford legal fees,' said Mahanjana. However, state prosecutor Katlego Manana opposed bail, arguing the severity of the charges and the high prevalence of such offences in the court's jurisdiction. Manana highlighted the risk of the Zimbabwean man interfering with the investigation, due to his familiarity with the victim and her mother. The prosecution also noted the accused man's lack of immovable property in South Africa, increasing the likelihood of him evading trial. The magistrate said the Zimbabwean man did not produce any proof that he is self-employed and that there is no evidence that shows whether he stays with his family in the country or has left them in Zimbabwe. The magistrate added that in his bail application, the accused man only listed his responsibilities and no substantial circumstances. Moreover, the magistrate said if the accused suffers financially while in custody and cannot afford a legal representative, he can apply for Legal Aid. Therefore, bail was denied. Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority in Gauteng has welcomed the court's decision, commending the vigilance of the victim's mother, whose swift action led to the tenant's arrest. The NPA also saluted the vigilant staff at Kalafong Hospital who facilitated police involvement. Acting Director of Public Prosecutions in Gauteng, advocate Marika Jansen Van Vuuren has also commended prosecutor Manana for the fight against the accused man's bail bid. 'The denial of bail sends a clear message: the NPA will vigorously oppose release for those accused of heinous GBV crimes, prioritising the safety of victims and communities,' she said. The NPA urges families and communities to remain vigilant, report suspected abuse promptly, and support survivors through Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs), which offer medical, psychological, and legal assistance. The NPA has called on South Africans to unite against gender-based violence, fostering safe environments where children's constitutional rights to dignity and safety are upheld, and perpetrators face the full might of the law. The case against the Zimbabwean man was postponed to 23 July for regional court allocation. Last year, IOL reported that a 32-year-old Olievenhoutbosch father was found guilty of the rape and attempted murder of his 11-month-old daughter, as well as defeating the ends of justice in the High Court in Pretoria. At the time, the NPA said the father and the mother of the baby were in a love relationship, and on the evening of April 30, 2023, the couple was at their place of residence when a neighbour came and asked the mother to come and help her cook. The neighbour who asked for help was hosting an overnight ceremony. The child's mother then departed with the neighbour, leaving the baby under the guardianship of her father. 'The following day, in the early hours of the morning, while the mother was still assisting the neighbour, she saw her partner on the streets. When she asked about the whereabouts of the baby, he told her that he had left the baby sleeping,' Mahanjana said at the time. [email protected] IOL News
TimesLIVE
04-07-2025
- TimesLIVE
Man spotted carrying a printer near guesthouse led to fake cash bust
The three men arrested in connection with a counterfeit money racket in Pretoria are Cameroonian nationals. National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said Philliph Mumbai, 42, exited an e-hailing service vehicle in Elardus Park and was walking to a nearby guesthouse when he was stopped by patrolling police officers on July 1. "They questioned him about a printing machine he was carrying and where he was headed. When he could not answer, the police requested t he take them to the guesthouse. On arrival, they discovered Maxwell Basong, 39, and Tieze Zemeniouh, 38, operating a similar printing machine and printing counterfeit money. "During the arrest, Mumbai allegedly attempted to bribe the officers with R2,000 in exchange for their release." The men have appeared in the Pretoria magistrate's court on a charge of possession of counterfeit goods. Mumbai also faces a charge of corruption. The case was postponed to July 10. Mahanjana said: "It is alleged the three accused operated a syndicate involved in the printing and distribution of counterfeit rand and US dollar notes. The counterfeit money was allegedly sold and used to purchase goods."
The Citizen
10-06-2025
- The Citizen
Police academy rape suspect released on bail
The police captain charged with the rape of a 20-year-old trainee at the SAPS Police Academy in Pretoria West was recently released on bail by the Pretoria Magistrate's Court after paying R8 000. The 59-year-old, who is employed as a firearms trainer and has been working for the SAPS for the past 31 years, is also charged with sexually assaulting another 29-year-old female police trainee. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Gauteng regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, said that although the state was opposed to the bail application, the court determined that the accused was not a flight risk and granted bail with several conditions. 'During bail proceedings, the state opposed his release on bail because he is accused of serious offences which are prevalent in the court's jurisdiction. Moreover, Prosecutor Madre Windvogel argued that the accused was a flight risk; he failed to disclose to the IPID (Independent Police Investigative Directorate) investigator that he had a passport,' Mahanjana said. 'The court, however, found that it was in the best interest of justice for the accused to be released on bail with conditions.' The conditions are: – to report at Hercules Police Station every Tuesday and Thursday, – hand over his passport to the investigation officer within 24 hours, – to not directly or indirectly contact the witnesses in the case, and – not to go to the police college unless permitted by the court. In April, the trainee allegedly walked past the suspect without saluting. The accused allegedly reprimanded her, accusing her of misconduct. She explained that she had not seen him. On May 6, the complainant was walking with her platoon to their bungalows when the accused allegedly called her to his office. Upon entering, the accused allegedly locked the door behind her and threatened her with dismissal for the earlier alleged misconduct of not saluting him if she did not sleep with him. He allegedly instructed her to half undress while he also half undressed and proceeded to rape her. After that, he told her to get dressed and leave. The victim reported it to authorities at the academy, who contacted the police. The complainant was then taken for medical attention and referred to the Laudium Thuthuzela Care Centre for further assessment and support. The accused was arrested on May 7. The police then transferred the matter to the IPID for investigation. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has strongly condemned the sexual assault, describing the acts inflicted on the trainee as a gross violation of the rights that police are entrusted to protect After his arrest, the second complainant came forward. In March the accused allegedly sexually assaulted the 29-year-old in his office by touching her. The matter was postponed to September 9 pending further investigations. ALSO READ: Police academy rocked by rape allegation, captain to appear in court Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The Citizen
10-06-2025
- The Citizen
12-year-old in court after killing 14-year-old in Brakpan collision
For children aged between 12 and 14 years, the law introduces a presumption that they lack criminal capacity, unless proven otherwise by the state. A 12-year-old child has appeared before the Brakpan Magistrates Court on charges of culpable homicide and driving without a license after allegedly causing the death of a 14-year-old boy. According to reports, the younger child was driving his parents' vehicle when the fatal collision took place in Brakpan, Gauteng, on Saturday. Details of the fatal collision According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the 12-year-old was behind the wheel when he ran a stop sign and struck the teenage victim. 'It is alleged that on 7 June 2025, the minor was driving his parents' vehicle at the corner of Madeley and Northdeene Street when he drove over a 14-year-old boy and bumped into a wall. 'The 14-year-old boy sustained injuries and was declared dead on the scene,' said NPA Regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana. Following the collision, the younger child was arrested. 'The 12-year-old was then taken to the Brakpan charge office and later released into the care of his parents by police,' Mahanjana added. He was only released into his parents' custody on Sunday, 8 June 2025. ALSO READ: Four taken to hospital after collision on R328 Court proceedings and legal considerations During Monday's court appearance, the minor was accompanied by his guardian, as required by law. The matter has been postponed until 28 August 2025 to allow for a comprehensive assessment of the child's criminal capacity. The law introduces a presumption that children aged between 12 and 14 lack criminal capacity unless the state proves otherwise. 'A child falling in this age group can only be arrested as a last resort,' LegalWise stated. Current legislation directs that 14-year-olds and above can typically stand trial in South African courts. The Constitutional Court firmly established the principle that child offenders must be treated differently from adults, a view that was solidified when the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008 came into effect on 1 April 2010. This Act introduced a separate criminal justice system tailored specifically for children, aiming to address their unique needs and circumstances within the legal framework. LegalWise explains that 'under the Child Justice Act, a child under the age of 12 years has no criminal capacity and cannot be prosecuted or arrested for an offence. It does not mean that there will be no consequences if the child is found guilty.' The Act instead 'offers alternatives for rehabilitation by diverting a child offender from a prison sentence to community service, counselling and therapy.' This reflects a significant shift in focus—from punishment to rehabilitation, acknowledging that children are still developing and should be given the opportunity to reform. NOW READ: Trio convicted for brutal farm attack in Eastern Cape
