Latest news with #LumkaMahanjana
The Citizen
2 days ago
- 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
2 days ago
- 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
