The family of a 16-year-old girl who was allegedly raped by a 46-year-old man in Tshituni village in the Nzhelele area has raised concern after the suspect was granted bail without their knowledge. The man is reportedly employed by the Department of Justice in Polokwane.
The suspect was arrested in April last year after a relative discovered that the man was allegedly abusing the teenager and reported the matter to the police. After his arrest, the victim’s mother, whose identity is withheld to protect the child, said they were shocked to see the suspect back in the community.
She explained that the accused appeared in court several times applying for bail, which was denied on 19 December 2025 in the Dzanani court. During this court appearance, the man’s case was postponed to 4 May this year, with the court ordering that he remains in custody until that date. His case has since been transferred to the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court.
A couple of days after his 19 December court appearance, however, the mother was surprised to see that the man had been released.
“We were surprised to see him outside without [us] being informed. Even the victim was shocked, as she was not aware,” the mother said, adding that the family now fears for their safety.
“We are no longer safe in our community now that the accused has been granted bail. We are also worried that the victim could be targeted again,” she said.
The mother criticised both the police and the justice system, accusing them of failing to properly handle the case.
“We are not happy with the way the case is being handled. The family has information that could assist in the investigation, but the police do not seem interested. If this continues, the case may collapse and the suspect could walk free,” she said.
Limpopo National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi confirmed that after several unsuccessful bail applications, the accused approached the High Court with an urgent bail application, which was granted on 22 December last year. He has not yet been asked to plead.
Malabi-Dzhangi emphasised that the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. His case has been postponed for trial and is expected to resume on 17 August in Polokwane.