NPA official accused of raping 16-year-old girl denied bail
A senior official from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Limpopo has been denied bail after appearing in the Dzanani Magistrate’s Court on Monday for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl over three years.
The 47-year-old man, whose identity is being withheld to protect the minor victim, faces 10 counts of rape. The offences are alleged to have occurred since 2022, when the victim was only 13 years old.
NPA Regional Spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi said the accused was arrested on April 29, 2025, after the 16-year-old disclosed the abuse to her mother.
“This latest incident prompted her to report to the mother, who then notified the uncle, and the matter was then reported to Dzanani police station, and the accused was arrested,” said Malabi-Dzhangi.
In a scathing ruling, the court emphasised the gravity of the charges and the potential risks of releasing the accused.
“The state has a strong case, and there is a likelihood that the accused can interfere with the state witnesses,” the court ruled.
“The safety of the accused can be compromised, and his release can cause public disorder. The onus is on the applicant to prove that exceptional circumstances do exist, and that the interests of justice permit the applicant to be released on bail.”
The court found that the accused failed to meet this requirement and consequently dismissed his bail application.
The matter has been postponed to June 25, 2025, for further investigations.
The accused remains in custody.
IOL News