Action Society has been mandated to oversee the sickening rape case of Poppy,* a four-year-old girl in the Mfuleni township in the Western Cape on 10 October, 2024. The accused rapist is an elderly transport driver who raped and molested the young girl while driving her home from a local creche.
The accused, whose family owned the creche, appeared at the Blue Downs Magistrates court on Tuesday and Thursday. The creche has since been shut down. On Tuesday, the prosecutor read out an affidavit from the Investigating Officer who described how the events unfolded. According to the officer, the child was placed on the man’s lap, after he instructed her to do so. He then removed her clothes, her underwear and tracksuit pants. After which he proceeded to put his fingers inside her vagina and in her anus.
Following the incident the child went through a medical assessment and it was found that the injuries are consistent with the acts described. The prosecutor opposed bail.
In the mother’s impact statement she said she was deeply shocked by what occurred and that her heart is broken. She explained in her statement that the incident has deeply traumatised the young girl. According to the mother, she suffers from sleepless nights and can be heard crying during the nighttime.
On Thursday, the accused was set to appear at court, however a drainage system blockage at the holding cells meant he was unable to make it to court. The matter has been postponed to 12 November 2024. Fortunately, he will remain in custody until then.
Many organisations gathered outside the court showing their support for the little girl, demanding that child rapists should never be granted bail.
“This by far one of the worst forms of predatory behaviour Action Society has ever had the displeasure of hearing. This man abused his position of authority and the little girl’s innocence to fulfil his own sick desires. These are the actions of a very sick and dangerous man. He does not deserve freedom, nor should he ever be allowed near children under any circumstances whatsoever,” said Action Society’s Kaylynn Palm.
*Poppy is a pseudonym to protect the victim’s identity.
