Central SA
Suspected father and son rapists to learn their fate at court─── LUCKY NKUYANE 08:54 Tue, 15 Aug 2023
A Bloemfontein businessman and his son, who are charged with the rape of a minor, will on Tuesday learn whether they will be granted bail or not.
The duo has been jailed since 8 August this year.
On Monday, the state opposed their release on bail, citing they are accused of a schedule 6 offence in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act.
State prosecutors relayed the minor's version of events, and how she was allegedly raped by the 26-year-old and his 44-year-old father on that day.
Both deny the charges against them. The suspects can't be named as yet as they've not pleaded. Both told the court they intend to plead not guilty.
The father describes the allegations as outrageous and disgusting. Chilling details were shared in court.
The son is the first accused in the matter, whilst his father is the second accused. Should they be released on bail, both vowed not to interfere with any witness in the case.
The state prosecutor is of the opinion that the state has a strong case against the accused. "We have the complainant's version and the medical forms. I don't see any exceptional reason for them to be released on bail.”
Whilst providing evidence in court yesterday, the second accused confirmed his three companies employ 50 people. He claimed that since his incarceration, there has not been any activity.
His companies have suffered a great loss, and if his incarceration is prolonged this would require retrenchment of his employees.
Address by President @CyrilRamaphosa on the occasion of Women's Day, Union Buildings, Tshwane. https://t.co/BteBaeynNW#WomensDay #WomensDay2023 #LeaveNoOneBehind pic.twitter.com/mU85SRrMqx
— Presidency | South Africa ???? (@PresidencyZA) August 9, 2023
In an attempt to increase the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, President Cyril Ramaphosa promised a host of new laws aimed at punishing perpetrators. Some of the laws include no bail for rapists and life imprisonment for those found guilty of gang rape.
Effective earlier this month, no bail may be granted to persons charged with rape even if the victim was in a domestic relationship with the perpetrator.
President Cyril Ramaphosa made the announcement on Wednesday during the National Women’s Day celebrations at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
“Such bail applications must be formally applied for in court. If the accused was in a domestic relationship with the alleged victim, the court has to issue a protection order against them before releasing them on bail,” said Ramaphosa.
