Mbabane – A 29-year-old man from Mpolonjeni, appeared at the Mbabane Magistrates Court facing a rape charge under the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODV) Act No. 15 of 2018.
The accused person, whose identity is concealed to protect the identity of the minor, appeared on Monday before the Principal Magistrate, Fikile Nhlabatsi.
He faces allegations that on or about 4 December 2025, at Mpolonjeni, he unlawfully engaged in a sexual act with an 8-year-old juvenile, thereby committing a sexual offence.
According to the charge sheet, he contravened Section 3(1), 3(2), 3(3)(c) and 3(6)(e) as read with Section 3(9)(b) of the SODV Act. The charge is accompanied by aggravating factors under Section 185 of the Criminal Procedure Act 67/1938.
Court papers say the accused did not use a condom during the commission of the offence, exposing the minor to the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.
The victim was also below 18 years and, by law, incapable of appreciating the nature of a sexual act.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded in custody until 19 December 25 for his second court appearance. The prosecution had not opposed bail and the accused was told that if he intends to apply for bail he can do so at the High Court.
The court further informed the accused that, if convicted, his particulars would be entered into the National Register for sex offenders.
The trial date has been set on April 2, 2026.
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