A 47-year-old father, who is accused of raping and sexually assaulting his eight-year-old daughter, was released on bail of R1 000.
A 47-YEAR-old father, who is accused of raping and sexually assaulting his eight-year-old daughter, was released on bail of R1 000 in the Galeshewe Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
A large crowd of supporters of the victim – including family members as well as members of the ANC and EFF and Operation Wanya Tsotsi – who wanted to attend the bail application, were up in arms after they were incorrectly informed that the matter would be heard in a different courtroom.
Family members were also distraught that bail had been granted for a serious sexual offence involving a minor.
The accused was arrested by the SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit on December 5.
The incident is alleged to have taken place during December, where the accused was charged with indecently touching the child’s buttocks, body, face and neck, as well as raping her.
The State did not oppose bail. It was noted that there is a possibility that the charges could have arisen as a result of a custody battle.
During court proceedings the accused was warned to “stay away from the child” pending the police investigation.
The accused has also been prohibited from making any telephonic contact with her.
If the accused contravenes any of his bail conditions, his bail will be revoked.
He was warned to re-appear in court on January 21.
