Suspect accused of teen rape to appear in court
A man accused of raping his 16-year-old stepdaughter multiple times will appear in the Richards Bay Magistrates’ Court again today for his formal bail application.
The 39-year-old man was arrested last month by the Empangeni Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit after a case of rape was opened for investigation at Richards Bay police station.
Spokesperson for Richards Bay Police, Shooz Magudulela says that while officers were conducting further investigations on the accused they discovered that he possess a number of firearms.
"They managed to get firearms seven rifles, two pistol and 44 live rounds. He claimed these belonged to his father, who died in 2002. The police then took the suspect to court. He appeared on possession of unlicensed firearms and rape," he said.
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Meanwhile Zululand Lifeline says more people are finding the courage to report rape.
Director Michelle Jewlal says that because of the increase, they believe that preventative programmes are doing what they are meant to do.
"It is because of the lack preventative programmes, that also target perpetrators in the communities, we find that cases are also not being reported. In most cases perpetrators are real people who are known," she said.
(File photo: Gallo Images)