Step-father detained for raping 8 years old toddler
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An 8 years old young girl who fell victim to her step-father’s pedophilia tendencies is yet to get justice.
Lumka Mahanajana from the NPA said that the court heard that the mother to the toddler was met with devastating news on April 27th, 2024 in the evening relayed by her 5 years old toddler.
It is alleged that the victim was left in the care of the said step-father, 42 years old Zimbabwean national at their place of residence in Phomolong, Atteridgeville. While waiting for the mother who had gone to work, the three was watching TV together.
“The 5-year-old left her 8-year-old sibling and went to the toilet. While at the toilet it is alleged that the accused called the victim to his room. When the 5-year-old returned to the sitting room where they were both watching TV and could not find the victim, she called out for her. It is alleged that the father responded from the room and told the 5-year-old that the victim had gone out to the shops.”
“After the 5-year-old realised that the victim had not left the house she stood outside the house waiting for the mother to return from work. When the mother arrived and the accused had gone to work, the 5-year-old told the mother that the accused lied and said the victim had gone to the shops while she was still inside the house. The mother then enquired with the victim, who then told her that the stepfather raped her and has been raping her.”
Mahanajana added that the toddler was taken to police station where the matter reported and the man was arrested the following day from work.
He however, denied the allegations and said he is innocent while pleading with the court through his lawyer to release him on bail because he is the sole breadwinner.
The Atteridgeville Magistrates’ Court denied him bail.
In opposing bail, the State said that the accused was known to the victim as he was in a relationship with the mother of the victim and can therefore influence the victim to withdraw charges and threaten her since he had previously threatened and told her not to tell anyone about the rape incidents.
