Phola — Jeremia Xheldon Manave (55) appeared in Ogies Magistrate’s Court on 02 February 2026, facing charges of rape, attempted rape and violently assaulting his two children and a helper. The case has prompted strong reactions from residents and advocacy groups, highlighting the ongoing problem of domestic violence often hidden behind closed doors.
The accused’s son, Jeremia Machalela (21), gave a detailed account of the alleged assault. He said he heard his younger sister screaming from inside the house, but could not reach her because the security door was locked. Fearing for her life, he grabbed a spade and broke through the door.
“When I entered, I found him on top of her, beating her, I pulled him away, trying to rescue her. That’s where he started punching me also,” he said.
Machalela said the abuse has been ongoing and worsened after their mother died. “Since our mother died in 2014, my father has been abusive, especially when he is under the influence of alcohol. All along, I was scared to open a case because I was afraid of what we were going to eat while he was arrested,” he said.
Representative Anges Madoda from the Mining Affected Communities United In Action (MACUA) said the organisation will stand firmly behind the children and ensure that justice is served.
“I don’t know these kids, but because I am a mother too, I had to stand up and help them to fight this. The perpetrator needs to be brought into the book of law and be accountable,” she said.
The Ward 28 committee member, Zama Mhlambi, said they will stand firmly with the children throughout the legal process. “The ward committee will ensure the children receive emotional support, counselling and protection, especially as the case progresses in court,” she said.
She further encouraged community members to break the silence around abuse and protect vulnerable individuals.
The children’s grandmother Matilda Machalela admitted the family ignored warning signs of abuse for years, hoping Manave would change. “My grandchildren have been complaining about their father’s behaviour. I kept saying, hang in there, my kids; one day he will change. Such incidents happened several times, but we kept on brushing it away as a family once he apologised,” she said.
Machalela added that the situation pains his grandmother greatly and urged other families not to ignore warning signs or excuse violent behaviour, especially when children are involved.
The case has been postponed to 06 February 2026 for further investigation and for the state to finalise documents.
