Supporters protesting outside court. (Credit: Esau Dlamini / Health-e)

The man was arrested after teachers at the girl’s school alerted the family to the rape after they questioned her sudden strange behaviour. The child told them what happened, and this led to the arrest of the man, who may not yet be named, two weeks ago. He made his second appearance in court on Tuesday this week.

According to the girl’s, who has not been identified to protect the identity of the victim, said teachers at Sizuzile Primary School called her about their discovery, and took the child to the hospital for examination. At the hospital it was discovered that the man has been molesting the child since last December.

Trust

The girl’s 30 year old sister said the 8-year old had been staying with the suspect and his wife, who is the child’s aunt, at their home. Her  mother works as a domestic worker based in Johannesburg and only sees the child every month end.

“We are very shocked and angry because we trusted him. He deserves the death sentence. My mother’s sister has also turned her back on us because she does not want to believe her husband did it,” the sister said.

Members of the community where the family live staged a picket outside court in support of the family.

“We are sick and tired of old men who are raping our children. I would also add that as women we should be careful who we leave our children with,” said Ntombi Nxumalo, who came to support the family.

The case was postponed to August 1 for DNA results and further investigation.

An edited version of this story appeared in The Star.

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