Photo for illustration only. (Archive photo)
A councilor from the Matlosana municipality in North-West who is facing 11 preliminary charges, including statutory rape, remains behind bars.
The 43-year-old man was apprehended after videos of the alleged acts were shared on social media.
A case of crimen injuria was initially filed at the Kanana police station last weekend after the suspect apparently shared a photo of his genitals with one of the alleged victims.
In a second separate case – against the same suspect – two charges of statutory rape were filed on Saturday by the parents of two 15-year-old boys. This after an explicit video of the man and one of the boys was forwarded on social media platforms, including WhatsApp.
The ward councilor was arrested shortly afterwards.
He is now on trial on 11 preliminary charges which include statutory rape, rape and sexual intimidation, says Henry Mamothame, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the North West.
Orkney Magistrates’ Court adjourned the case until May 17 on Wednesday so the accused could obtain private legal representation. He remains in custody until his next court appearance.
The state has already indicated that it will oppose an application for bail, says Mamothame.
“The investigation to gather more evidence against the accused continues. People are asked not to share the videos on any platform, because it could negatively affect the victims and their families, as well as the investigation into the case.”
Dr. Rachel Makhari Sekhaolelo, director of public prosecutions in the North West, and Lt. Gen. Provincial police chief Sello Kwena praised the police for their swift action in apprehending the accused.
Due to the seriousness of the case, a senior public prosecutor has already been assigned to the case.
According to reports, the ANC, of which the accused is a party member, has already suspended the ward councilor pending a disciplinary process.
