Durban — If the 32- year-old man charged with the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl is convicted he could face a sentence of up to 25 years’ imprisonment.
This was explained by Pinetown magistrate Gwendolyn Robinson to the accused before she granted him R2 000 bail.
He is alleged to have approached the victim in May while she was on her way to the tap to get water in the Luganda area. He proposed love to the teenager before pulling her inside his house. The State alleges that he asked to have sex with the victim, who said no and that she was still young and a virgin.
It is alleged that the accused proceeded to rape the victim without a condom.
The magistrate said she was satisfied that the accused had shown “exceptional circumstances” permitting his release on bail. In his bail application on Thursday, his defence attorney Ben Dlamini said his client was a father of three, with two of primary school-going age.
“I help my sister sell clothes and earn R1 500 commission, I have no pending or previous cases. I’ve been promised work from September.
“I have no travel documents, I have no ties outside of South Africa, and I will not evade trial. I have a fixed address and am prepared to relocate,” he said.
He was arrested on August 7 and intends to plead not guilty.
“There’s no evidence except the allegation by the victim. I did not rape her, I never made advances towards her.”
The case is back in court on September 26.
Daily News