Johannesburg - An Alexandra man, who stand accused of multiple rapes with his father, has told the Johannesburg High Court that he was devastated when his father ordered him to rob and rape a woman in their taxi.
Rodgers Makhubela, 29, and his father, Booi, 50, are facing 39 charges, including 17 of rape and others of robbery and kidnapping. The two have pleaded not guilty on all counts.
Makhubela told the court on Wednesday that when he was arrested by Captain Nathaniel Zwane in Brits, North West, the first thing that went through his mind was when his father ordered him to rape the woman.
He said his father also wanted to have sex with the woman, but was interrupted by a passer-by. “He told me not to tell anyone about it. I told him that he is my father, he raised me and made me a man,” Makhubela said.
“He then threatened me and told me that if I told the police, the police would arrest me, as I am the one who had sexual intercourse with her.”
Makhubela’s defence counsel, advocate Sibusiso Mbatha, asked him if he understood that what he and his father did was wrong.
“I was aware it was wrong. I never knew that women could be raped,” Makhubela said.
“Is there anything you want to further share with this court?” Mbatha asked.
“Yes, I will never trust my father again. I have lost all respect for him. I want to be as far away from him as possible. I want to disappear.”
Makhubela asked for a second adjournment from Judge Roland Sutherland, stating that he was “emotionally disturbed and confused”, but the judge told him to “toughen it up”.
The trial continues.
The Star