Delmas – The community is demanding justice and tougher action against child abuse after a 19-year-old was arrested on charges of sexually assaulting a five-year-old child.
The accused, Bongani Muzimbe, was arrested in August 2025 after residents alerted the police. He made an initial appearance at the Delmas Magistrate’s Court, where the matter was adjourned to allow investigators more time to gather evidence.
During the court appearance on 23 October 2025, the matter was again postponed to 19 November 2025 for further investigation and pre-trial preparation. “The court is still gathering information since there are witnesses. There’s a possibility of getting more evidence,” said Nomsa Nkosi from Delmas First Women. “The more the case is postponed, the more the community gets angry.”
Muzimbe remains in custody.
Local activists, political organisations and residents are calling for suspects accused of sexual offences against children to be denied bail. Outside court, members of the Rapid Response Task Team, Delmas First Women, ANC and several civic groups picketed outside the court carrying placards reading, ‘No Bail for Rapists.’
“We are not happy about the outcome,” said local resident Ndamulelo Makhokha. “We don’t want the perpetrators of rape or abuse against women and children to receive bail, we say no bail for rape culprits.”
Relatives say the incident came to light after the child told her grandmother about an inappropriate contact. One family member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed the grandmother discouraged the child from speaking out.
Phinkiwe Mpandla, the child’s aunt, said she was the first to notice signs of abuse. “I discovered it when I was bathing her. She complained that it was painful and when I asked what was wrong, she said Bongani had peed on her,” Mpandla said.
Residents allege that Muzimbe has a history of troubling behaviour, including bullying incidents at Vezimfundo Primary and Phaphamani Secondary, where he was reportedly expelled.
Activist Florah Nhlanhla Sitoe of Mighty Women of the Society said while the delay allows for a stronger case, it also extends the emotional strain on the child’s family.
“The delay can prolong trauma and uncertainty for the child and her family, but it may also give prosecutors time to strengthen the evidence,” she said.
