Case Overview
The Tsakani Court frees mom accused of ignoring her daughter’s repeated rape and attempting an unsafe abortion. The 31-year-old Benoni woman faced serious charges after her daughter alleged years of abuse by her father. Despite the gravity of the case, the magistrate released her on warning this week.
Abuse Allegations Against the Father
The daughter, who was 15 at the time, reported that her father began raping her in March 2022. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the first assault happened when her mother was at church, leaving her with her father and younger brother. The father allegedly lured the girl inside, sent her brother to buy chips, and raped her in her room.
Further incidents allegedly followed. Each time the daughter confided in her mother, she was not believed. Eventually, she stopped reporting the abuse.
Pregnancy and Unsafe Abortion Attempt
In 2022, doctors at Pholosong Hospital confirmed the daughter was pregnant. Instead of supporting her, the mother allegedly gave her a concoction to terminate the pregnancy. The attempt failed. Soon after, the girl was sent to her paternal grandmother in Limpopo, where she gave birth to a boy in December 2022. However, Tsakani Court frees mom.
Tsakani Court Frees Mom: Legal Developments in 2025
When she turned 18 in July 2025, the victim opened a case in Limpopo. This led to her father’s arrest on 19 July 2025 and her mother’s arrest weeks later. The mother faced charges of failing to protect a vulnerable child and furthering her sexual exploitation.
During the bail hearing, prosecutor Ntethelelo Ngcece opposed her release, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations and the risk of influencing the victim. However, the magistrate ruled that the accused was not a flight risk.
Victim’s Response to Bail Application
Tsakani Court frees mom, and investigating officer Sergeant Tebogo Lephoto testified that the daughter did not object to her mother’s release, provided she remained outside Limpopo. This played a role in the magistrate’s decision to release her on warning rather than keep her in custody.
Magistrate’s Reasoning
Tsakani Court frees mom, and the court noted that the alleged abortion attempt could not be scientifically confirmed. The magistrate also considered the accused’s role as caregiver to two other young children, including a breastfeeding infant. Balancing these factors, the court released her on warning.
Next Court Appearance
The case has been postponed to 25 September 2025. A regional prosecutor will then decide how the charges proceed. The father remains in custody, while the mother awaits her next appearance under strict conditions.
Broader Context on Child Protection
The case highlights ongoing challenges in South Africa’s fight against child sexual abuse. Experts stress the importance of reporting suspicions immediately and ensuring victims are given full support. Civil society organisations continue to call for stronger accountability from parents and guardians who fail in their duty of care.
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