A 37-year-old man, who was facing seven charges of rape, decided to withdraw his bail application during a court hearing at the Ntuzuma Magistrate's Court in KwaZulu-Natal on Monday. The accused had been charged in connection with the rape of three boys, aged between 11 and 15, who all belonged to the same family.
According to sources, the alleged rapist was an amateur soccer coach operating in the Ntuzuma township, located north of Durban. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Natasha Kara, confirmed that the accused had been accused of raping the boys repeatedly from November 2022 to March 2023. To protect the identities of the underage victims, the man cannot be named.
Following his arrest, the accused appeared in court for the first time on May 16. Subsequently, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, the KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, informed News24 that additional charges of sexual assault had been added against the accused. However, the exact number of new counts was not specified.
Meanwhile, the NPA stated that the total number of victims had not yet been determined, suggesting that more individuals may have been affected. Additional details about the case are expected to emerge during the accused's upcoming court appearance, scheduled for Friday.
The decision by the accused to abandon his bail application signifies a significant development in the case. By withdrawing the application, the accused is effectively choosing to remain in custody while the legal proceedings unfold. This decision may indicate an understanding of the severity of the charges and the potential consequences that lie ahead.
As the case progresses, it is essential to closely follow the court proceedings to ensure that justice is served for the victims and that the accused is held accountable for his alleged actions. The court hearings will provide a platform for presenting evidence, hearing testimonies, and reaching a resolution in this distressing and deeply concerning matter.
