Byline: Thendo Funyufunyu
Thursday, 02 March 2023
Mandla Thomas Sibiya (39) who is allegedly accused of raping minor children from his art centre called “Siyanqoba Performing Arts Group” appeared again at the Evander Magistrate’s court on Wednesday, 01 March 2023 for his third bail application.
The accused was previously charged and released on bail twice last year in November 2022 for two rape cases which allegedly took place in 2018.
However, after his release on bail, he was thereafter arrested again this year, February 2023 for another alleged rape which allegedly occurred in 2013.
The Investigation officer (IO), Sergeant Nicole Nkosi, provided the information before the court about the DNA test that was conducted and allegedly proved that the accused committed the crime.
The accused is currently facing two more charges of rape in Secunda Magistrate court.
Furthermore, Sergeant Nicole Nkosi stated that in one of the recent cases, the accused offered a victim who was a 16-year-old young girl a lift which resulted in him allegedly raping the said young girl.
The IO further stated before the court that besides the two charges he is facing in Secunda Magistrate court, he has eight other (8) charges that are opened against him in eMbalenhle police station where all are the counts of allegedly raping minor children.
Although the accused was previously released on bail, it is alleged that he never violated any bail orders.
The magistrate refused him to be released on bail as he considered him a serial rapist.
Therefore, he was remanded in custody until his matter is finalised.
The case was postponed to 4th of April 2023 for further investigation.
