Cape Town - A senior church leader in Grassy Park has been accused of incest.
The 40-year-old man allegedly raped four of his own daughters, aged seven, 11, 15, and 18.
Police say the alleged crimes were committed in the family’s secluded home in Lotus River over a number of years.
The man, a member of the Potter’s House Church in Grassy Park, handed himself over to police after his daughters told relatives about the alleged rapes in February.
The suspect appeared in the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday where his bail application began.
The man, who works as a pharmacist assistant, has indicated he will be pleading not guilty to all the counts of rape.
Dressed in blue tracksuit pants, the short, dark of complexion man nervously emerged from the holding cells.
He was supported by a large number of relatives who filled the court benches.
In a sworn affidavit read out in court, the man said he has been married to his wife for 16 years and is the sole provider of his family.
The suspect also has two younger daughters, aged two and four.
He said he understands the charges and would be pleading not guilty: “I do not have previous convictions nor pending cases.
“I will plead not guilty to the charges of rape.
“I understand the charges against me and I am innocent until proven guilty.
“I will not evade my trial as I did hand myself over to Grassy Park Police.”
He asked the court for bail of R1 000 as he has to pay his children’s university and school fees.
The suspect is expected back in court on March 8, when his bail application will continue.
The Daily Voice visited the man’s house, where the mother of the children declined to comment.
“Yes, he is at court but we have nothing to say. My [18-year-old] daughter also doesn’t want to speak,” was all she would say.
A neighbour, who asked not to be identified, said the community is reeling in shock.
“He is such a nice guy and they have sick children, we cannot believe that he would do something like this,” the neighbour said.
Daily Voice