Nelspruit - A man and a woman appeared in the High Court sitting in the Nelspruit Magistrate's Court on Monday on 49 counts of rape and assault of 21 girls.
Johan Jabulani Mlombo, 48, and co-accused Sister Mapalase Khoza, 41, both from Masoyi near Hazyview, were arrested in 2012 in connection with the rape of the girls aged between nine and 17, a Sapa corespondent reported.
Prosecutor Moeng Molatudi read out each of the charges from count one until count 49, which were almost similar offences.
The court heard the two faced 27 rape charges, three sexual assaults and 19 counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Mlombo pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Khoza also pleaded not guilty and said she would exercise her right to remain silent.
Judge JJ Strydom informed the two accused that in terms of the law, if an accused person was convicted of rape where the accused acted in common purpose the sentence was life imprisonment.
The court may also impose life imprisonment if a convicted person assisted in the crime. If a court could find substantial or compelling circumstances, it could impose a lesser sentence.
“I do this to indicate to you how serious these crimes are. I am sure your legal representatives have advised you in terms of these sections. I hope you both understand,” Strydom said.
Strydom postponed the case to March 4 for trial.
Sapa