A Department of Correctional Services official appeared in court on Friday, March 19, following accusations of raping his 7-year-old son.
The 45-year-old accused appeared at the Malmsesbury Magistrate Court this week and was officially arrested on March 17, reports IOL.
“According to reports, the official was arrested at his home after his wife alerted the police that the husband raped their 7-year-old son on several occasions over a period,” police spokesperson, Captain FC van Wyk said.
A case was opened after the arrest and police went on to investigate and assist the mother and victim.
Department spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo said Correctional Services had offered assistance to the victim and the family, which included counselling, family support and a place of safety.
Nxumalo went on to say that they were deeply disturbed by the allegations.
“The charges levelled against the official are of serious concern. It is of great discomfort to us when our law enforcement officials appear in court charged for gruesome acts involving abuse of minors,” said Nxumalo.
An internal investigation is said to have been launched.
Officials from Malmesbury Correctional Services Centre protested outside court in a bid to convince the court to deny him bail.
A colleague of the accused, Zuzeka Dotwana, said they were not happy about what happened, especially because it happened right under their noses.
“We are still questioning ourselves. How did we miss this because it has been happening right in our community and especially because it has been happening since 2016?” she said.
The matter was postponed until March 31 for further investigation.
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