A 16-year-old boy has appeared in court on serious charges relating to the rape and assault of a six-year-old girl in KwaZulu-Natal.
The case has garnered significant public attention, prompting the intervention of provincial MEC for Social Development, Mbali Shinga, who attended the court proceedings to call for calm amidst protests outside the Umzumbe Magistrate’s Court.
According to reports, the teenager allegedly attacked the young girl while she was walking home from school. In a statement, the Department of Social Development revealed that the teen is accused of raping and assaulting the girl and subsequently leaving her for dead.
The case was heard in camera by Magistrate P. Louwrens and State Prosecutor Asanda Madlala, with MEC Shinga, the families involved, and other concerned parties present.
In addition to the charges related to the six-year-old, the same teenager is allegedly linked to another heinous crime.
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He is suspected of being involved in the murder of eight-year-old Sinethemba Ngcece Sibiya, whose decomposing body was found near a river. This connection has further inflamed community outrage and concern.
The community’s reaction has been one of anger and distress, leading to protests outside the court. MEC Shinga has urged residents to remain calm and allow the judicial process to unfold without interference.
“We urge our communities to be more vigilant and ensure that the rights of children are protected at all times. As the Department of Social Development, we will stand behind the communities to curtail the scourge of gender-based violence,” Shinga stated.
She also emphasized that counselling and support will be provided to the affected community, with Childline monitoring the survivor’s well-being.
The accused teenager faces multiple charges, including kidnapping, attempted murder, sexual assault, and murder.
He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to reappear in court on July 29. The MEC also noted that the department would address the needs of the offender and provide support to his family, emphasizing a holistic approach to dealing with the aftermath of such traumatic events.
