SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT MEC WELCOMES ABANDONMENT OF BAIL IN SOWETO CHILD RAPE CASE

• Anyone who violates women and children must face the full might of the law, says Gauteng MEC for Social Development Nomandu Nkomo-Ralehoko.
• The MEC was at the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court to support the family of a young girl who was allegedly raped by a church elder on Good Friday.⁠ ⁠
• Calling for action against gender-based violence, Nkomo-Ralehoko emphasised that the Gauteng government is committed to protecting the most vulnerable in society.

Gauteng MEC for Social Development Nomandu Nkomo-Ralehoko has welcomed the abandoning of bail by a Soweto church elder, who has been accused of raping a 13-year-old Soweto girl on Good Friday.

The 56-year-old accused appeared for the second time in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, where he abandoned his bail application.

The case has been postponed to 20 May pending further investigations.

MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko condemned the alleged sexual abuse of a young minor, describing it as “barbaric and inhuman”.

She also thanked the community members for standing in solidarity with the family and the most vulnerable, adding that anyone who violates women and children does not deserve a standing in any society and must face the full might of the law. “We thank everyone for showing solidarity with the family, and we urge you to continue to do so, to ensure that no such action repeats itself.”

The MEC added that she trusts that the judicial system will prevail and send a strong message to perpetrators not to abuse children. “The (allegations against) this man are harrowing and scary because it means our children are not safe, but we trust the law will take its course.”

The case has drawn widespread attention from many government leaders and civil society organisations, who are demanding accountability and justice, as well as highlighting the need to urgently address gender-based violence in the country’s communities.

MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko called for united action to end gender-based violence and femicide, as well as any other crimes committed against women and children. “As the Gauteng government, we remain committed to protecting the most vulnerable in society.”

The MEC confirmed that she would be back at court on 20 May, when court proceedings resume. “We will never get tired, we will come back to support the family, and we will walk with them as they traverse this difficult moment until justice is delivered.”