EMALAHLENI – Community outrage continues to mount as the case of alleged serial rapist Cascar Nkosi takes a dramatic legal turn. After months of procedural delays and public outcry, the eMalahleni Regional Court has confirmed that the high-profile matter, concerning the alleged abuse of over two dozen young girls will be escalated to the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court for trial.
The decision, announced on June 10, 2025, comes just weeks after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had initially directed that the trial proceed in the regional court. The shift reflects the gravity and complexity of the charges against Nkosi, who faces a long list of allegations that have sent shockwaves through the province.
Nkosi, 39, is accused of a staggering 26 counts of rape and kidnapping involving minor girls aged between 7 and 13. He also faces a separate charge of rape and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), stemming from an incident involving his wife.
On May 2, 2025, Nkosi’s legal representative informed the eMalahleni Magistrate’s Court of his renewed intention to apply for bail, an application he had previously abandoned in February, citing fears for his family’s safety.
That announcement led to the case being moved to the regional court to allow for a formal bail hearing and trial preparation. However, the decision to escalate the case marks a significant shift, with the matter now awaiting final confirmation before being heard in the Mpumalanga High Court.
Outside the courtroom, emotions ran high as community members, political leaders, and advocacy groups gathered in protest, demanding justice and expressing anger over what they view as unnecessary delays.
eMalahleni Municipality Speaker of Council, Cllr Nombuso Shabangu, did not mince her words:
“We want the court to sentence Nkosi and ensure he never walks free again,” she said. “Bail for this man is completely unacceptable to us.”
Vinolia Mashiane, Chairperson of the Kwanele Mama Foundation, welcomed the decision to transfer the case.
“We are pleased with the court’s outcome, which aligns with our expectations,” said Mashiane. “It’s a victory for survivors and their families who have endured unimaginable pain.”
The case has been postponed to June 23, 2025, when Nkosi’s bail application and trial preparations are expected to proceed.
As the legal process unfolds, the call for justice continues to reverberate throughout eMalahleni and beyond, firm, determined, and fuelled by a community that refuses to be silent.
