Action Society has formally taken on the case of Primrose*, a one-year-old baby girl who was allegedly raped and severely assaulted by a close family member in Johannesburg. The accused is expected to return to the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, 8 September 2026, for bail proceedings.
The organisation has monitored the court proceedings since January 2026 and will now support Primrose’s family while continuing its oversight of the investigation and prosecution.
According to media reports, Primrose’s mother left her in the care of a family member during end-of-year celebrations. When she returned to collect her daughter, she allegedly found the baby bleeding and with cigarette burns on her body and bruising to her face.
Primrose was rushed to hospital in a critical condition, where she had to be heavily medicated while doctors treated her injuries. Shortly after the alleged assault, she was reportedly fighting for her life.
A 58-year-old man was subsequently arrested and charged with rape and attempted murder. The accused cannot be identified at this stage because doing so could reveal Primrose’s identity.
“This child was only one year old. She was entirely defenceless and dependent on the adults around her for protection. The violence allegedly inflicted on her is difficult to comprehend,” says Juanita du Preez, national spokesperson for Action Society.
“As the court prepares to consider bail, Primrose’s safety and the seriousness of the charges must remain central. Action Society will monitor the proceedings closely and stand with her family throughout the process.”
Since Action Society began monitoring the case in January, the matter has been postponed repeatedly. The reasons have included further investigation, outstanding DNA results, address verification, the issuing of a subpoena to the head of the prison and difficulties with the court’s audiovisual remand system.
On 19 January, the case was postponed to 9 February for further investigation. It was subsequently remanded to 26 February and then to 7 May for outstanding DNA results.
Further postponements followed on 7 May, 12 May, 28 May, 10 June, 22 June and 3 August.
When the matter returned to the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on 24 August, proceedings could reportedly not continue because the audiovisual remand connection was not functioning. The case was rolled over to the following day and then postponed to 1 September. On 1 September, it was postponed to 8 September for bail proceedings in Court 13.
“Every postponement prolongs the uncertainty for a family already carrying an unimaginable burden. DNA results, functioning court systems and basic administrative processes should not become recurring obstacles in a case involving allegations of this gravity,” says Du Preez.
“For Primrose’s sake, this prosecution must move forward with the urgency, competence and sensitivity that a case involving such a young and vulnerable child demands.”
Action Society will continue monitoring the proceedings, supporting the family and advocating for a prosecution that places Primrose’s rights, dignity and wellbeing at its centre.
*Primrose is a pseudonym used to protect the identity of the child.
Soundbite:
