NPA official accused of raping 16-year-old girl denied bail
The Dzanani Magistrates' Court in Limpopo where a senior NPA official was denied bail on multiple rape charges involving a minor.
Image: File photo.
A senior official from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Limpopo has been denied bail after appearing in the Dzanani Magistrate's Court on Monday for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl over three years.
The 47-year-old man, whose identity is being withheld to protect the minor victim, faces 10 counts of rape. The offences are alleged to have occurred since 2022, when the victim was only 13 years old.
NPA Regional Spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi said the accused was arrested on April 29, 2025, after the 16-year-old disclosed the abuse to her mother.
"This latest incident prompted her to report to the mother, who then notified the uncle, and the matter was then reported to Dzanani police station, and the accused was arrested," said Malabi-Dzhangi.
In a scathing ruling, the court emphasised the gravity of the charges and the potential risks of releasing the accused.
'The state has a strong case, and there is a likelihood that the accused can interfere with the state witnesses,' the court ruled.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
'The safety of the accused can be compromised, and his release can cause public disorder. The onus is on the applicant to prove that exceptional circumstances do exist, and that the interests of justice permit the applicant to be released on bail.'
The court found that the accused failed to meet this requirement and consequently dismissed his bail application.
The matter has been postponed to June 25, 2025, for further investigations.
The accused remains in custody.
IOL News Get your news on the go, click
here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
The role young boys play in ending SA's GBV crisis
Exploring the pivotal role of young boys in combating gender-based violence in South Africa, this article highlights alarming statistics and recent tragedies that underscore the urgent need for change. Image: Ai Gender-based violence (GBV) continues to remain a critical issue in South Africa, with consistent reports showing high rates of violence against women and girls. Most recently, the country was shaken by the murders of Wits University postgraduate student Mongale and 14-year-old Lukhona Fose, tragedies that reignited national outrage and reminded the public that violence remains deeply entrenched in homes and communities. According to the first South African National Gender-Based Violence Study conducted in 2024, 33.1% of women aged 18 and older have experienced physical violence at some point in their lives. The study also revealed that 9.8% of women reported experiencing sexual violence at some point in their lives. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading As GBV worsens, public anger also intensified after Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused were acquitted of rape and trafficking charges earlier this year with civil society organisations slamming the NPA for mishandling the case. "The recent events in South Africa underscore serious flaws in our Justice System —particularly in how Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases are reported and handled. These failures are evident at every stage of the judicial process – from poor police responses and delays in prosecution to the inability to bring cases to conclusion – leaving survivors without justice, closure, or meaningful recourse". said Oxam South Africa. Oxfam South Africa is a social justice organisation committed to tackling the root causes of poverty, inequality, and gender-based violence. While essential services for survivors remain a critical part of the GBV response, many experts argue that focusing on prevention, especially among boys and young men is key to lasting change. One organisation leading this preventative work is Sonke Gender Justice, an NGO dedicated to advancing gender equality and promoting human rights across the country. One organisation leading this preventative work is Sonke Gender Justice, an NGO dedicated to advancing gender equality and promoting human rights across the country. Image: Sonke Gender Justice Among its initiatives are MenCare, which promotes involved and nurturing fatherhood, and One Man Can, which encourages men and boys to challenge harmful notions of masculinity and adopt more equitable behaviours. "Young men and boys have a pivotal role to play in breaking the cycle of gender-based violence in South African communities. Addressing GBV requires the active participation of all members of society, particularly young men who represent the future of our communities" said Josephine Mukwendi, Regional Programmes Specialist at Sonke. According to Mukwendi the organisation also creates safe spaces for young men to talk openly about power, relationships, and what it means to be a man. "Young men can also serve as peer educators and mentors for younger boys, helping to shape positive masculine identities from an early age. By demonstrating that strength comes from protecting rather than harming others and that real men resolve conflicts without violence, they can influence the next generation's understanding of what it means to be a man," Also working to shift behaviour among boys is Father A Nation, an organisation that operates in schools and communities with a two-part model: No Excuse for Abuse, which educates young men on the root causes and consequences of GBV. Among its initiatives are MenCare, which promotes involved and nurturing fatherhood, and One Man Can, which encourages men and boys to challenge harmful notions of masculinity and adopt more equitable behaviours. "Young men and boys have a pivotal role to play in breaking the cycle of gender-based violence in South African communities. Addressing GBV requires the active participation of all members of society, particularly young men who represent the future of our communities" said Josephine Mukwendi, Regional Programmes Specialist at Sonke. According to Mukwendi the organisation also creates safe spaces for young men to talk openly about power, relationships, and what it means to be a man. "Young men can also serve as peer educators and mentors for younger boys, helping to shape positive masculine identities from an early age. By demonstrating that strength comes from protecting rather than harming others and that real men resolve conflicts without violence, they can influence the next generation's understanding of what it means to be a man," Also working to shift behaviour among boys is Father A Nation, an organisation that operates in schools and communities with a two-part model: No Excuse for Abuse, which educates young men on the root causes and consequences of GBV. "Men need to lead the fight against GBV so they play the most important role. Teaching, inspiring, and mentoring boys and men to live with positive, healthy masculinity is the key to breaking the cycle of abuse." Craig Wilkinson Founder and CEO. Wilkinson also believes that the lack of positive role models in society also contributes to and exacerbates the scourge of GBV in the country. "Poverty, lack of unemployment and most importantly lack of father figures also contribute to the scourge of GBV in the country, which is also what we teach young boys about positive masculinity" IOL News Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel
The Citizen
20 hours ago
- The Citizen
3 cops charged for defeating the ends of Justice
3 cops charged for defeating the ends of Justice Three police officers from White River Police Station appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate's Court on Thursday on charges of defeating the ends of justice. Sergeants Jabulani Wisdom Mbuyane (43), Solomon Mebo (49) and Constable Levandre LaReservee (32) were arrested following a tip-off regarding police involvement in the illegal transportation of drugs. ALSO READ: KZN police commissioner calls on youth to serve on force National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson for Mpumalanga, Monica Nyuswa said on Tuesday that law enforcement officials acted on information regarding a police vehicle escorting another vehicle that was allegedly transporting dagga along the N4 near the Matsulu T-junction. 'The police intercepted both cars matching the description. Upon searching, they discovered over 100 bags of dagga. 'The accused officers were on duty, in full uniform, and driving a marked police vehicle at the time of the incident. 'All three officers were granted bail of R1 500 each,' she said, adding that the case has been postponed to 25 July for further investigation. Joseph Joel Mamba (44) and Monica Zwane (34), suspected of transporting the dagga, appeared before the same court on charges of dealing in drugs. 'They have been remanded in custody, and their case has been postponed to Tuesday for a formal bail application,' said Nyuswa. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
Legal pressure mounts on NPA and Hawks over Prasa corruption claims
Civil society organisation Open Secrets wants the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, to force the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority to fast-track their investigation and prosecution of individuals and companies responsible for looting the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa. Image: SAPS A High Court application has been launched to force the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Hawks to investigate and prosecute individuals and companies implicated in widespread Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) corruption. Open Secrets, a civil society organisation and non-profit company, has hauled outgoing national Hawks head Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya and National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi to the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, to force the law enforcement agencies to act against Siyangena Technologies and Swifambo Rails Leasing, which received lucrative contracts from the country's troubled rail agency. The troubles facing Batohi, who is due to retire early next year, appear to be piling up after she endured a tough few weeks at the helm of the NPA. In its application, Open Secrets states that the two companies were awarded contracts worth billions of rand meant to modernise South Africa's rail system. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'Instead, they became conduits for fraud, stripping Prasa bare and abandoning millions of poor commuters to a crumbling transport lifeline,' reads the affidavit filed by Open Secrets director Hennie van Vuuren last month. The organisation has asked the court to declare invalid and review and set aside the Directorate of Priority Crimes Investigation's [DPCI (the Hawks)] failure, within a reasonable time, to complete the investigations into the complaints of corruption and fraud at the Prasa. This is in relation to Prasa's decision to award and conclude the contract with Siyangena and Swifambo, as well as their implementation. In addition, Open Secrets wants the NPA's conduct in failing, within a reasonable time, to see to the completion of those investigations also declared invalid, reviewed, and set aside as well as its inability to take a decision, either to prosecute or not to prosecute, persons implicated or involved in criminal activities, related to the award, conclusion, and implementation of Prasa's contracts with Siyangena and Swifambo. Open Secrets wants the Hawks to be directed to complete their investigations, without further delay, and to take such further steps or file further reports as the court deems just and equitable. It also wants the NPA to be directed to see to the completion of the investigations without further delay, to take a decision, either to prosecute or not to prosecute, persons implicated or involved in criminal activities, relating to Prasa's contracts with Siyangena and Swifambo, and do so without further delay. According to Open Secrets, the NPA should be directed to take such further steps or file such further reports as the court deems just and equitable. 'Due to the delay in the finalisation of the investigations into the alleged corrupt conduct of those who were involved in the award of these contracts, the NPA has consequently not decided whether to prosecute anyone linked to the unlawful Siyangena and Swifambo contracts,' Van Vuuren stated in his affidavit. He added that as a result, an excess of nine years has passed since the criminal complaints were laid in 2015/16, yet no one has been held accountable, contrary to the recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, chaired by retired Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. Hawks national spokesperson Brigadier Thandi Mbambo on Saturday confirmed that the DPCI received the notice of motion and that the matter is currently receiving the necessary attention. 'It is important to note that this is a complex matter requiring thorough investigation and ongoing collaboration among relevant stakeholders. We request time and space to allow investigation to proceed without compromise, to ensure that justice is served,' she said. Open Secrets' Ariella Scher said the Hawks and the NPA have filed their notices to oppose the matter, but not Prasa. NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga did not respond to requests for comment.
