Latest news with #Mahanjana
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
No bail for Saulsville man accused of raping landlord's daughter
A 55-year-old foreign national accused of raping a 12-year-old in Saulsville, Pretoria, in March has been denied bail by the Atteridgeville Magistrate's Court. The accused appeared in court on July 16, facing three counts of rape. The case was postponed to July 23 for regional court allocation. National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, said the accused was charged with allegedly raping his landlord's 12-year-old daughter. 'On June 25, in the evening, while the complainant 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,' Mahanjana said. 'While going through the phone, she saw inappropriate conversations between the accused and the victim. 'The mother confronted the accused in his back room, where he denied the allegations and requested that they take the child to Kalafong Hospital for examination. 'While at the hospital during examination, one of the nurses called the police, and the accused was arrested on the scene, ' said Mahanjana. It is alleged that the accused raped the victim on three occasions. Mahanjana continued, 'During his appearance, via his legal representatives, the suspect alleged that he should be granted bail due to weak evidence being presented by the state, among other considerations. 'During the bail hearing, the accused 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.' 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 also highlighted the risk of the accused interfering with the investigation due to the accused's familiarity with the victim and her mother, and noted his lack of immovable property in South Africa, increasing the likelihood of him evading trial. In the end, the magistrate found that the accused did not produce any proof that the accused is self-employed and that no evidence shows that he stays with his family. She also said that in his bail application, the accused only listed his responsibilities and no substantial circumstances. Moreover the magistrate said that if the accused suffers financially while in custody, and cannot afford a legal representative, he can apply for Legal Aid. Therefore, bail was denied. The NPA commended the vigilance of the victim's mother, whose swift action led to the accused's arrest, and the hospital staff who moved quickly to get the police involved. Acting director of public prosecutions Advocate Marika Jansen van Vuuren praised Prosecutor Katlego Manana. '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.' The NPA's partnership with Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) ensures critical psychosocial support for the victim, reflecting its victim-centric approach. Families and communities are urged to remain vigilant, report suspected abuse promptly, and support survivors through TCCs, which offer medical, psychological, and legal assistance. 'This case highlights the critical role of parents in recognising signs of abuse and acting decisively. 'The NPA calls on South Africans to unite against GBV, fostering safe environments where children's constitutional rights to dignity and safety are upheld, and perpetrators face the full might of the law,' Mahanjana concluded. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] 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!
The Citizen
2 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
3 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
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Taxi driver behind bars for girl's (12) rape
A 39-year-old taxi driver from Nellmapius Ext 6 was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Pretoria Magistrate's Court for raping a 12-year-old girl in November 2020. The court also ordered his inclusion on the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said it is committed to combating gender-based violence (GBV) and protecting children. Gauteng NPA regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, said the convicted man, Nkululeko Nkabinde, visited the victim's home in Nellmapius one night, where her mother was selling alcohol. Mahanjana said that after purchasing alcohol, he met the 12-year-old victim walking home from a shop, luring her to his residence with a promise of R200. He drove with her and stopped his taxi at his gate, and insisted she enter his room for sexual intercourse. 'When she refused, Nkabinde raped her twice in the front seat of the taxi,' said Mahanjana. He then drove her back, dropping her off near a bridge close to her home, and told her not to tell anyone what he had done. The victim returned home, met her mother and friends who were searching for her, and told them what had happened. The mother reported the incident to SAPS, leading to Nkabinde's arrest on December 2, 2020. Nkabinde pleaded not guilty, claiming the sexual intercourse was consensual and that he believed the victim was older. State Prosecutor, Advocate Corrine Maria Sam, presented compelling evidence, including the victim's testimony, facilitated through intermediary services to minimise trauma, and the mother's corroborating account. Medical evidence confirmed the assault, noting the victim was a virgin at the time. The court rejected Nkabinde's defence as implausible, finding the prosecution's evidence credible and convicting him on both counts of rape. In mitigation, Nkabinde requested leniency, citing his responsibilities as a provider for his family. Advocate Sam opposed deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment under the Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1997. Furthermore, he said that Nkabinde showed no remorse for the offences, because even after being convicted, he continued to lie to the court and said the child enjoyed it. Regional Court Magistrate, Adrian Bekker, agreed with the state that Nkabinde's 'cruel' violation of a vulnerable child, coupled with his lack of remorse, demands the severest penalty to protect society. Finding no substantial or compelling circumstances to deviate from imposing life imprisonment, Bekker applied this sentence. The NPA commended the courage of the 12-year-old victim, whose disclosure, supported by her mother and the community, ensured accountability. Acting director of public prosecutions, Advocate Marika Jansen van Vuuren, praised Advocate Sam and the investigating officer for their meticulous work. 'This life sentence sends a powerful message: the NPA will relentlessly pursue perpetrators of GBV, ensuring justice restores dignity for victims.' The NPA urged communities to remain vigilant, report abuse promptly, and support survivors through Thuthuzela Care Centres, which offer medical, psychological, and legal assistance. This case underscores the critical role of families and communities in protecting children and empowering them to disclose abuse. The NPA called on South Africans to unite against GBV, fostering safe environments where children's constitutional rights to dignity and safety are upheld, and predators face the full might of the law. ALSO READ: Investigation into illegal settlements gains momentum Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] 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!
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Alleged buyer of stolen transformer denied bail, case postponed
A case involving four suspects accused of stealing a transformer from Laudium valued at R7-million, has been postponed to August 5. This after the fourth suspect, Katlego Molepo (32), from Middelburg appeared in the Atteridgeville Magistrates' Court for his bail application on July 11. Molepo is alleged to be the buyer of the transformer stolen from the Claudius Substation in Laudium. National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, said, 'The matter was postponed to August 5, 2025, for a regional court transfer.' 'The court ruled that it would not be in the interest of justice to grant Molepo bail,' she said, adding that his co-accused, three city officials, were granted bail. Molepo had handed himself over to police at the Atteridgeville Police Station on July 6. 'The city officials, Kleinbooy Mahlangu (45) from Soshanguve, Thomas Baloi (41) from Pretoria North, and Daniel Kubayi (50) from Hammanskraal were granted bail [on July 8],' said Mahanjana. The three were arrested on July 1 after a nearly year-long thorough investigation into the transformer theft. 'The four accused are facing charges related to the theft of essential infrastructure,' she said. She said SAPS and TMPD allegedly responded to a tip-off about a theft in progress at the Claudius Substation on November 7, 2024. 'Upon arrival, they found cranes, trucks, and a City of Tshwane-branded vehicle on site. As no proof of work authorisation could be provided, 11 people were arrested at the scene.' Mahanjana said 10 individuals were later released from custody. 'Another City of Tshwane official, Madimetja Jacob Malebane (38), who was also arrested at the scene, appeared in court on 28 November 2024 and was released on bail,' she said. She said during the police investigation, it was discovered that Mahlangu, Baloi, and Kubayi had fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. 'Warrants of arrest were issued, and the three were arrested at their respective workplaces,' she said. Mahanjana added that during his bail application, Molepo, through his legal representative, argued that the State had a weak case against him. 'He further claimed he should be released because he is a father of four, has a wife to support, and suffers from a chronic illness,' she said. She said, however, Prosecutor Grace Komane opposed the application. She said Komane cited the seriousness of the offence and Molepo's previous conviction for defrauding the Unemployment Insurance Fund. 'That conviction resulted in a sentence of five years' direct imprisonment or a fine of R40 000,' she said. Komane added that Molepo allegedly committed the current offence just ten months after that conviction, showing that he could commit more crimes. Mahanjana also said the magistrate agreed with the State, adding, 'The accused is facing a serious charge. His medical condition can be managed while in custody.' She said Molepo failed to provide evidence that his children would suffer undue hardship if he were not granted bail. 'There are no substantial or compelling circumstances warranting his release,' she said. WATCH PREVIOUS VIDEO OF THE SYNDICATES BEING NABBED: Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] 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!
