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Ingrid Oellermann, The Witness
Pietermaritzburg - A KwaZulu-Natal man accused of raping his teen daughter repeatedly between August 2013 and January this year, and inserting a heated spear into her genitals, was denied bail on Tuesday.
The man, 37, can't be named to protect his daughter’s identity.
He was arrested in January following an incident when he allegedly found his daughter, 17, in a toilet with a boy and decided to “punish” her.
He allegedly took her home and ordered her to bathe, whilst her sister was instructed to light a fire, over which he heated a spear.
He allegedly tied the victim to a bed and inserted the weapon into her, burning her. The teenager managed to free herself and fled to neighbours for help.
Threats
The neighbour alleges the accused called her whilst she was taking the injured teen to hospital and “forced” her to hand her over to her stepmother. He was “screaming” and was so aggressive she feared for her life.
He allegedly later called the neighbour’s mother, threatening to kill his daughter if they got involved.
The alleged victim, who is in a place of safety, also stated in an affidavit that she feared for her life if her father were to be released.
She alleged her uncle contacted her via cellphone and told her that her entire family is against her and she should withdraw the case for her protection.
The accused described himself as a businessman. He said he wouldn’t evade his trial and denied the allegations against him.
He testified he was on his way to Mozambique when he heard police were looking for him and immediately turned back and handed himself over. However, regional magistrate Yugen Naidu found there is a risk the accused will evade his trial, and that he will intimidate State witnesses, if released.
Naidu said the State’s case appeared “fairly strong” and the man faces a lengthy term of imprisonment if convicted.
The accused appears in court again on 7 October.
