A 62-year-old great-grandfather accused of raping his five-year-old great-granddaughter was granted R2000 bail at Blue Downs Regional Court on Tuesday, the court record shows.
According to the Daily Voice, police arrested the man after the child was seen walking with difficulty. ‘On Sunday, December 12, the police arrested a 62-year-old male for the charges of rape,’ confirmed police spokesperson Captain F C Van Wyk.
The complainant reported the child had been left with the rape suspect and later said the suspect had touched her inappropriately.
Gender-based violence organisations and activists delivered a petition opposing bail to the state last week and this week.
Latifah Jacobs of the Cape Crisis Committee and Aurorah CAN said the groups had opposed the release but acknowledged the court’s decision (Cape Argus).
Family members described shock and anguish at the allegations. An aunt told reporters the family was ‘deeply distraught’ and appealed for justice, while doctors reportedly confirmed alleged penetration after a medical examination.
The court set strict bail conditions and postponed the matter to 3 March 2026 for further investigation.
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp Channel for content worth tapping into! Click here to join!
Also read:
Picture: Storyzangu Hub / Unsplash
