MIDDELBURG – A woman accused of statutory rape has chosen to forgo bail due to safety concerns.
Mamunyane Mokwana (42) has chosen to remain in the holding cells until the court reaches a decision on her case, where she stands accused of raping a 12-year-old boy in Newtown, Mhluzi.
During her second court appearance, Mokwana informed the court that she did not want bail, fearing for her safety.
Mokwana was arrested on 8 April and appeared at the Middelburg Magistrates Court on 10 April. The case was postponed to Tuesday, 16 April.
Upon Mokwana’s arrival in court, the boy’s mother fainted.
Reports suggest that Mokwana visited the boy’s grandparents’ house on a Friday evening. After a brief conversation with one of the grandparents, she allegedly went to the room where the boy was sleeping and made sexual advances towards him.
An anonymous family member disclosed to Highveld Chronicle that the accused undressed the boy and forced him into sexual activity after inappropriate touching. “The scars on the boy’s body indicate that she even assaulted him before engaging in sexual activity with him.”
EFF GBV coordinator in Steve Tshwete, Nokuthula Matlala, said they welcomed the decision to abandon bail. “We are pleased that she refused bail because it shows that society has no place for abusers, whether male or female,” she said.
Community member Sahara Mashianoke said Mokwana misrepresents women. “Women are meant to love and protect children, not harm them. She should remain behind bars because our children are not safe around her.”
