Opposition to release of Boksburg man accused of raping, impregnating minor submitted in court
The investigating officer believes the 29-year-old man, who is a Ugandan national, may flee the country if released.
Picture: Rejoice Ndlovu/Eyewitness News
OHANNESBURG - The investigating officer in the rape case of an 11-year-old girl has submitted their opposition to the release of the man accused of impregnating her on bail.
He believes the 29-year-old man, who is a Ugandan national, may flee the country if released.
The man made another appearance before the Boksburg Magistrates Court on Thursday, where the details of the multiple rapes were submitted before the lower court.
It’s alleged that the man has been raping the little girl since she was six until she fell pregnant after the last incident in December 2024.
The investigating officer’s affidavit was read before the court by prosecutor Kagiso Ralethata.
"The accused person is from Uganda and he is legal in South Africa. He has ties, family and financial, however, given the gravity of this particular offence, he may have an incentive to leave trial and go back home."
The victim’s family and community have pleaded with the court not to release the man on bail, something that was submitted to the court by the investigating officer as a factor that could disturb public peace or undermine public order or security.
"There is public outcry in the matter. There is evidence that shows that people are protesting against the release of the accused and there is also a petition from the community."
ACCUSED'S FAMILY REACHED OUT
The Boksburg Magistrates Court also heard that the mother of the rape-accused man reached out to the victim’s family, offering a reward for the withdrawal of the case.
The investigating officer in the case is of the opinion that the man accused of violating the minor may intimidate or influence witnesses.
This has been listed as an aggravating factor submitted before the Boksburg Magistrates Court against granting the 29-year-old man bail.
An affidavit by the investigating officer was read out by prosecutor Kagiso Ralethata.
“Two hours after the accused was arrested, the victim’s mother received a call with Ugandan numbers from a person who introduced herself to be the mother of the accused who requested that the matter be settled out of court and that should the victim’s mother withdraw the case, there will be a reward.”
The matter has been postponed to 28 May.