A large group of community members, activists, political party representatives, and family gathered outside the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday to show support for the #JusticeForAnathi campaign.

Mihlali Sizani, 28, appeared in court on Wednesday for the first time since his arrest on charges related to the alleged abuse and rape of his then girlfriend, Anathi Nokulela, who was approximately eight months pregnant at the time of the alleged incidents.

The case has been postponed to February 18, 2026, to allow the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) time to consult further with the complainant, verify information about the suspect’s criminal history, and prepare for a formal bail application.

According to court proceedings, Sizani is accused of sexually assaulting the complainant on two occasions and physically assaulting her, including beating her abdomen while she was pregnant.

Nokulela reportedly recorded video footage of the abuse in secret on one of the nights she was attacked because she feared for her life and the life of her unborn baby. She later posted the video on social media under the name “Anathi Entle”, which quickly spread online and led to Sizani’s arrest.

At the first hearing, it was initially presented that Sizani had no prior convictions, pending cases, or court orders against him.

However, prosecutors informed the court that a review of his profile revealed two previous drug-related charges, which they need time to verify. The State asked for the postponement partly to clarify these records and to complete consultation with the complainant.

Sizani’s legal representative opposed the postponement and his continued detention, arguing that the accused has already been held since his arrest last week, and that further delay was unnecessary. The defence described continued detention and postponement as potentially a “waste of time”.

In response, the prosecutor noted that before his arrest, Sizani had fled the Western Cape to the Eastern Cape, and this raised concerns that he might abscond again if released on bail.

After hearing both sides, the magistrate agreed to postpone the case to February 18 and ordered that Sizani remain in custody until then.

Nosipho Nokulela, Anathi’s older sister, thanked supporters and expressed relief that the accused would remain detained.

She said the family hopes he will remain in jail until sentencing.

“We are hoping for the harshest sentence possible. He should rot in jail for what he has done to my sister. How could he rape and beat her like that while she was pregnant? It’s so inhumane,” she said.

Nosipho also revealed that the family was unaware of the abuse at the time it was happening. She explained that Sizani had presented a different persona in front of others, which made it difficult to see the suffering Anathi was enduring.

The relationship reportedly lasted about two years, with the abuse beginning approximately three months in.

“The manipulation and abuse kept Anathi from speaking openly with our family. She suffered for a long time until she could not endure it anymore,” she said.

With tears in her eyes, Nosipho expressed gratitude for the visible support from family and the broader community and said they anxiously await the next court appearance.

lilita.gcwabe@inl.co.za

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