Byline: Nonjabuliso Nhlambo
17 November 2025
The community of Embalenhle, Ward 14, came together in large numbers to support one of their own, who is a victim of rape.
49-year-old Mphostoli Mtsweni appeared before the Evander magistrates’ court on Friday, 14 November 2025, facing rape and kidnapping charges.
Whilst the community protested outside the court, Mtsweni’s bail hearing was proceeding inside the court. The community submitted a petition opposing his release on bail.
According to the victim, Mr Justice Motaung, also known as Rasta, he was kidnapped by the accused on his way home from a tavern, as he was weak and drunk at the time, he was overpowered by the accused.
“He came behind me and dragged me to his house, as the road I was using was just near his home. He then told me to remove my clothes, and I refused. He then used a foreign object to knock me down, and I became unconscious. Whilst I was unconscious, he cut my belt. When I gained consciousness, he was busy assaulting me,” said Rasta, detailing the incident.
During the accused’s bail Judgement, the court found that the accused did not prove that the interest of justice permits his release on bail. His bail was then denied, and he was remanded in custody.
The matter has been postponed to 19 January 2026 for further investigations.
