EMALAHLENI – A cloud of anguish and determination hung over the eMalahleni Regional Court on Monday, June 23, 2025, as Cascar Nkosi (39) appeared for a procedural hearing that would see his case transferred to the High Court. Nkosi faces 26 chilling charges related to the kidnapping and rape of 13 minor girls, aged between 7 and 13 years old, in a case that has shaken the Mpumalanga community to its core.
Nkosi, who had been privately represented, has now opted for Legal Aid. This move coincided with the official transfer of the case to the High Court. For months, young girls mostly from Vosman in eMalahleni, and Mhluzi in Middelburg were reported missing, only to later return with accounts of being abducted and raped. Nkosi is currently remanded in police custody as the prosecution works to combine charges of kidnapping, rape, and assault into a single trial, scheduled to take place between May 18 and June 12, 2026.
The proceedings have drawn growing attention from both the public and civic leaders. eMalahleni Speaker Nombuso Shabangu addressed the media and supporters outside the court, affirming the municipality’s commitment to justice and accountability. “We will be meeting with the court manager to monitor the progress of this case closely,” Shabangu said. “The community is deeply wounded, and we welcome the intervention of the Kwanele-Mama Foundation, which is advocating to bring the trial to the eMalahleni Civic Centre. It’s essential for the victims’ families and local residents not to be forced to travel to Middelburg to witness justice being served.”
The Kwanele-Mama Foundation has submitted a formal request to relocate the trial, citing the emotional and financial toll on the families involved. The organisation continues to support the victims and their families, many of whom are still grappling with the trauma left in the wake of the crimes.
Outside the court, emotions ran high. One parent of a victim, speaking under anonymity, voiced a common concern shared by many in the community. “We want answers. Who was he working with? Why did they kidnap and rape our children? I don’t believe he acted alone—he must talk.” The sentiment underscores a deep mistrust and suspicion that the crimes may involve more than one perpetrator, and many are calling for a broader investigation.
Speaker Shabangu concluded her address with a resolute message, “We will not tolerate any crime, especially crimes against our women and children. This community is watching, and we will not rest until justice is served.” As the community rallies for truth and accountability, all eyes now turn to the upcoming trial.
