JOHANNESBURG - The lack of electricity in Dobsonville is what lured children into the home of a 58-year-old man who is alleged to have raped a 12-year-old.
This, according to community leader Mandla Nyaqela who says the area has had no electricity for months. The suspect's home was one of the few with electricity and access to Wi-Fi.
According to Nyaqela, the suspect reportedly helped children who came to his home to do their homework and do their school research using his Wi-Fi.
"It was seriously unexpected of him," says Nyaqela.
Nyaqela says the man was a trusted clergyman in the Methodist Church -- highly educated, respected, and relied upon by the community.
"This is disappointing and painful, and that is why we are here to support the family," said Nyaqela.
The man is facing a charge of rape. A video related to the incident circulated on social media over the Easter weekend, sparking widespread outrage.
Community members protested outside the Roodepoort magistrate's court on Tuesday.
Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe condemned the alleged crime, describing it as a grim reflection of the country’s ongoing gender-based violence crisis.
As a minister in the Methodist Church in Dobsonville, some members have come out in his support.
However, a female minister has spoken out against this.
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"We can't always be the pastors that always lie, that become perpetrators that kill, we are supposed to build, care and love," she said.
"This can't happen in God's name," she added.
Dobsonville community members have also accused political parties of politicising the case.
The accused is an executive member of the African National Congress in the area.
"The family is absolutely distraught," said activist Botlhale Modisane.
According to Modisane, the parents have expressed feelings of guilt that they have not done enough to protect their child.
"The most disgusting thing is how this has quickly turned into a political campaign," she said.
This, according to Modisane, means not everyone present has good intentions.
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"All of the political parties might as well stay away from this place," she said.
ANC member Faith Mazibuko said the party is distancing itself from the accused.
"As the organisation, we have steps against him, going as far as ensuring that he is removed as a member of the ANC," said Mazibuko.
Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader Mmusi Maimane has called for the maximum sentence if the accused is convicted.
Maimane has also reiterated calls for the national sex offender register to be made public.
"Some people will know these people, so that not only do we know where they are, but where they are," he said.
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Maimane said that offenders should not be allowed to move freely within communities.
The case has been postponed to 22 April for further investigation.