Mother charged with raping daughter (8)

A 29 year-old woman appeared in the Richards Bay Regional Court on charges of raping and sexually assaulting her own daughter and her niece. Both girls were aged eight at the time of the incidents, which the State alleges took place over a long period of time. The mother, who cannot be identified to protect the children, was arrested after a relative allegedly overheard one of the victims confiding in her sister. The State will also be relying on the evidence of the district surgeon. The accused was released on bail of R500 and the case was remanded for trial on 4 November. The children have been removed and are currently in the care of a relative.