HLANGANANI – Robert Mahlauli (26) of Nkanyane Village appeared in the Tiyani Magistrate's court last Thursday, on a charge of rape. The case is related to an incident that took place at the Nkanyane village in the Hlanganani area three weeks ago on December 22 at about 21:00.

According to the spokesperson of the police at Hlanganani, Insp Falaza Vuma, the victim was walking in the street when the incident occurred. She was in the company of a friend. They met the accused along the way.

According to the police statement the accused allegedly grabbed the two girls with their hands and threatened to kill them if any of them made any noise. He then pulled them in the direction of his home. The statement further indicates that the victim's friend managed to escape along the way.

On arrival at his home the accused allegedly assaulted the victim with a wooden stick and fists. He later raped her repeatedly. The matter was reported to the police the following morning and the accused was arrested later that afternoon. His first court appearance was on December 27. The matter was postponed until last Thursday, January 2, where it was again postponed to Monday January 13. He will remain in custody until this date, as his bail application was turned down.