Citrusdal community rallies against businessman charged with sexual assault
A businessman from Astron Energy Citrusdal faces serious allegations of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl and child grooming.
Image: Supplied
A businessman and manager at Astron Energy on the N7 has been accused of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl and engaging in child grooming. It is alleged that he took the victim into his home under the pretense of helping her with her school work.
The victim, aged 12, is from the community of Citrusdal.
The state is set to prove that the businessman, had allegedly gained the trust of his victim while working as management at the Astron Energy garage on the N7.
It is further alleged that he had taken the victim into his care where he lives with his family and his disabled child, and that he apparently showered her with gifts such as clothing and other items.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has since confirmed the charges and that his bail application took place at the Citrusdal Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Eric Ntabazalila, Regional Communications Manager for the NPA said: “Please note that the accused’s bail application started yesterday (Tuesday) and it is the defence's case. It has been postponed until November 6 for further bail application. The accused is charged with two counts of sexual assault and a count of sexual grooming.”
Cape Argus has since reached out to Astron Energy's media communications, who said it was not able to comment on the matter as it involved a court case.
"Astron Energy is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, accountability and ethical conduct. These values are fundamental to our business and demonstrates our commitment to lawful behaviour at all times.
As this matter is before the courts, we are unable to comment further."
Outraged community leaders and activists in Citrusdal who attended the court appearance and are assisting the victim’s family said they were opposing his release on bail.
Johanna Annelize Filander, chairperson of the Matzikama Farmworkers- dwellers Forum said: “The community is heartbroken and we are saying that my child is your child.
“As the Chair of Matzikama Farmworkers-Dwellers Forum and, as a mother and activist, such crimes must not happen to our children, and on our farms.
“Our members on the farms and workers are scared to talk, and that they will lose their work and house and today I want everyone to know that they must not be scared, if anything happens like this case.
Activists and community members gather to support the victim as a businessman is charged with sexual assault in Citrusdal.
Image: supplied
“We, as the community leaders, will stand together and support you. We will not leave you alone on this road.
“Perpetrators like this must not see the light of day again or breathe the air again. He didn't think how scared that victim was.
"He must remain behind bars. The message must be very clear to all others out there."
The mother of the victim, told Cape Argus that she had allegedly entrusted accused with her child because he was a respected businessman and allegedly allowed the child to live at his residence to assist her.
“The agreement was that my child would stay there because he would help her with her school work as I was working and that I as the mother still had all the rights and that the child could come home anytime,” she said.
As the matter is currently before the court, the merits of the case may not be discussed as yet.
She said her daughter broke her silence earlier this year but that a case was opened a few weeks ago when the child allegedly revealed more details of what allegedly transpired.
“The child was not to stay there permanently," she added.
"Everything went well at first.
“Earlier in the year, she said she had a big secret to tell me.
“She sent me another sms, she wants to come back home and that she can't take it anymore and wanted to take her life.
“He would (allegedly) buy her gifts.
“She chose to come back home.
“My child opened up after speaking with the prophet."