Bloemfontein Magistrate Maxhobandile Sontshi explained he tried his best to complete the much-anticipated judgment. He said a judgment after two days bail hearing cannot be done in an hour.

"My apologies gentlemen, I tried. It's not as simple as I thought it could be. Judgment has been reserved until Wednesday, 16 August 2023 at 09:00 in courtroom 20A.”

The duo has been jailed since 8 August this year. The son is the first accused in the matter and 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.”

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. Both deny the charges against them.

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 announced this 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.” 

OFM News