Residents of Alexandra took to the gates of Mkhuhlu Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 22 September, demanding justice after the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl by her stepfather, Norman Reuben Mokoena.

The girl, a Grade 7 learner, reportedly showed signs of emotional distress at school earlier this month. When her teacher questioned her, she disclosed that she had been abused in August. Authorities immediately opened a case, and Mokoena was arrested over the weekend.

Members of the Kaizer Mgiba Branch staged a protest outside the courthouse, calling for justice and vowing to oppose bail when Mokoena appears again on 1 October.

Community councillor Sabelo Mkhabela, who joined the picket, said the protest was necessary to protect children from predators. “We are picketing because we do not want Norman to get bail. The children in our neighbourhood are not safe with him at large,” he said.

The shocking case has left parents across Alexandra outraged and fearful for their children’s safety. Protesters waved placards with bold messages such as “No Bail for Child Rapists” and “Protect Our Children”, demanding harsher action against those who harm minors.

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