Community outraged as uncle accused of raping 21-month-old boy seeks bail
Community members gather outside the Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ Court, demanding justice for a 21-month-old boy allegedly assaulted by his uncle.
Image: Tracy-Lynn Ruiters
The man accused of brutally raping and assaulting a 21-month-old boy in Tafelsig has been identified as the child’s uncle, while furious community leaders and residents are calling for his bail to be denied.
The man, who cannot be identified, made his first appearance at the Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, where he indicated he would be applying for bail.
The matter was postponed to November 25 for bail information and the bail application.
Irate residents attended the court case and told Cape Argus they would petition to stand against his bail request.
Police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg, confirmed the case: “A 21-year-old male was arrested for rape and will appear in the Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ Court on November 18, 2025.”
Community activist Widaahd Williams, who also runs a feeding scheme and knows the family, said they were calling for bail to be denied.
It is understood the mother had worked a night shift, and when she returned home, she learned that the child was allegedly rushed to hospital by the man, a relative.
“We understand that the mother had been at work at the time of this incident and received the news that the child was in hospital,” she said.
“We, as the community, are outraged to think that he has done this to a one-year-old child who is still practically a baby.
“This child is known to me as I do outreach in the community.
“The family lives a few doors away from me, and I have spoken with mothers in the community who all agree that he must not get bail.
“If we were to draw up a petition on how we feel, I don’t know if there would be enough space for all the signatures because the community is tired of the abuse against women and children.”
Lynn Philipps of the Cape Flats Safety Forum (CFSF) also called for justice for the little boy: “We condemn any act of violence or brutality against any child, and specifically a minor child that's defenseless.
“We urge authorities to please make sure that they investigate this case thoroughly.”
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