DELMAS — A 19-year old Bongani Muzimbe accused of raping his five-year-old niece has had his case transferred from Delmas Magistrate’s Court to the Regional Court, where the matter is now scheduled for 08 April 2026. The accused has been in custody since August 2025.
Speaking outside court, Nhlanhla Sunnyboy Nkosi, the child’s father, said the family hoped the matter would now progress.
“The victim appears to be coping, but the case has taken a long time,” he said. “We hope that justice will be served as the matter moves forward.”
Nomsa Nkosi from Delmas First Women said the transfer of the case to the Regional Court was a positive development.
“The fact that this matter has been transferred to the Regional Court gives us hope that justice will be served,” Nkosi said. She further encouraged victims of rape and gender-based violence to report incidents and seek assistance. “Victims should not remain silent.”
Some members of the community, Delmas First Women and the ANC Women’s League gathered outside the court during the proceedings with placards reading, “No Bail for Rapists.”
They are demanding stronger action against sexual offences involving minors.
The case has appeared several times before the Delmas Magistrate’s Court and was previously postponed to allow police to finalise investigations and for the State to complete pre-trial preparations. Some earlier delays drew criticism from community members and civil society groups calling for faster progress in cases involving sexual offences against children.
