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The Citizen
3 hours ago
- The Citizen
Mamelodi father sentenced to life for decade-long rape of daughter
When the victim became pregnant as a result of rape, her father gave her R1 500 to terminate the pregnancy. A 64-year-old father from Mamelodi has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Pretoria Magistrates' Court for the repeated rape of his daughter for more than ten years. On Wednesday, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the sentence, which also includes additional protective measures for children in the family. The court declared the man unfit to work with children or possess a firearm. His name was ordered to be added to the National Register for Sexual Offenders. The court also directed that his two granddaughters be referred to the children's court for investigation and inquiry. Decade of abuse The systematic abuse began when the victim was just nine years old in 2010 and continued until she reached 19 in 2020. Lumka Mahanjana, NPA Regional Spokesperson for the Gauteng Division in Pretoria, explained that the abuse occurred during specific periods when the child was most vulnerable. 'The abuse occurred during weekends and school holidays when the victim would visit her father,' Mahanjana added. The victim's parents were not married and only shared custody of the child. Continued manipulation and control Before the abuse started, the father employed psychological manipulation to normalise his criminal behaviour. 'Before the abuse started, the father told the victim that the abuse was normal in households,' Mahanjana explained. She said the father warned the victim not to tell her mother because she had a heart condition. This manipulation continued throughout the abuse, keeping the child trapped in a cycle of violence and secrecy. ALSO READ: Jayden-Lee Meek murder: Mother may be killed in jail, says lawyer as she considers bail appeal Pregnancy and forced termination The abuse escalated in 2018 when the victim was 16 years old. During one of the many sexual abuse incidents, while being assaulted by her father, the condom broke. 'When the father realised that the condom was broken, he told her to track her menstrual cycle and if she misses it, she should inform him,' Mahanjana said. According to the NPA, the victim became pregnant as a result of the rape, and her father gave her R1 500 to terminate the pregnancy. Despite this traumatic experience, the sexual abuse continued unabated. Truth emerges The decade-long nightmare came to light in 2021 through an unexpected revelation. The victim had begun dating and confided in her boyfriend about her experiences, still believing her father's lies that such behaviour was normal. She told her boyfriend that her father was the only person she had been intimate with. She genuinely believed this was standard household behaviour due to years of manipulation and grooming. The boyfriend recognised the gravity of the situation and informed the victim's mother. When confronted, the victim finally understood that what had happened to her was criminal abuse. 'After realising what had been happening was wrong, the victim opened the case at the Mamelodi East police station on 16 January 2021, and the father was arrested on the same day,' Mahanjana stated. ALSO READ: Police arrest 183 rape suspects in one week Court proceedings During the trial, the father maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to all charges. However, Regional Court Prosecutor Anton Burger presented compelling evidence that established the father's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The prosecutor's case demonstrated the systematic nature of the abuse and the psychological control exercised over the victim. Sentencing arguments When facing sentencing, the father attempted to secure leniency by highlighting his financial responsibilities. 'He cited his role as a breadwinner for his wife, three other children, and two granddaughters.' Burger opposed any reduction in sentence, presenting several aggravating factors. He argued that the father showed no remorse for his crimes and had betrayed his fundamental duty to protect his daughter. Burger also emphasised the broader context of gender-based violence in South Africa and the need for deterrent sentences. The prosecutor highlighted one of the most disturbing aspects of the case. 'Furthermore, Burger said the father instructed his own daughter to terminate a pregnancy after realising that he was going to father his daughter's child,' Mahanjana explained. The systematic nature of the abuse was particularly shocking to court officials. Mahanjana noted that the court found that the father had deliberately planned and prepared for the sexual abuse before it began. ALSO READ: National Assembly agrees to revive motion to investigate statutory rape Rape impact on victim The court heard a Victim Impact Statement facilitated by court preparation officer Kgomotso Lodi. The statement revealed the devastating psychological toll of the prolonged abuse. The victim told the court that she cannot recall life without rape. She described losing her teenage years to the trauma and explained that she now suffers from depression and low self-esteem. Acting Regional Court Magistrate Pierre Wessels delivered a strong message when imposing the life sentence. He contextualised the case within South Africa's broader crisis of violence against women and children. The magistrate described violence against women and children as a pandemic in the country. He emphasised that courts have a duty to combat such offences through appropriate sentencing. The court found no substantial and compelling circumstances that would justify deviating from the mandatory life imprisonment sentence. ALSO READ: Police hunt suspect who raped and hammered 60-year-old Free State woman in her home NPA response Mahanjana emphasised the NPA's commitment to supporting survivors and ensuring accountability. 'The NPA welcomes this sentence, reaffirms its dedication to eradicating GBV, a pervasive crisis in South Africa, by supporting survivors and ensuring perpetrators face severe consequences,' Mahanjana said. She noted that this case exemplifies their resolve to foster safe environments where children's rights to dignity and safety are upheld. The NPA has used this case to issue a broader call for community involvement in combating gender-based violence. Mahanjana said the organisation recognises that legal prosecution alone cannot solve the crisis. Working together with justice partners, the NPA is calling on communities to stand united against gender-based violence. It emphasised and encouraged the reporting of abuse as a way to break the silence and protect future generations. READ NEXT: Khayelitsha court hears disturbing details of seven-year-old's rape and murder
The Citizen
17-07-2025
- 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
17-07-2025
- 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
