Manzini– A 70-year-old man of *Mhlaleni* has been remanded in custody after appearing before the Manzini Magistrates Court on a charge of aggravated rape involving a 15 year old minor.
The accused is alleged to have committed the offence between February 2026 and July 25, 2026 in the Manzini District.
According to the charge sheet, the State alleges that the accused unlawfully had sexual intercourse with the 15- year-old complainant, in contravention of Sections 3(1), 3(3)(a), 3(4)(b), read together with Section 3(9)(b) of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act No. 15 of 2018.
When the charge was put to him, the accused denied the allegations.The State further alleges that the offence was committed under aggravating circumstances as provided for under Section 185 of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act.
According to the charge sheet, the accused allegedly did not use a condom, exposing the complainant to the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. The prosecution also alleges that the complainant was sexually assaulted several times over a period of months, causing lasting trauma.
The accused appeared before the Manzini Magistrates Court, where he was remanded in custody until 20 October 2026 pending further court proceedings.
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