Mchunu condemns KZN Inkosi for alleged rape of teen girl

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has condemned the alleged rape of an 18-year-old young woman by a 54-year-old Inkosi of the KwaBhidla area. 

The incident reportedly happened on 4 May 2025.

MCHUNU CONDEMNS KZN INKOSI FOR ALLEGED RAPE 

South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson in KwaZulu-Natal Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the accused in this case, reports indicate that the suspect gave the young woman a lift from the eGqumeni area, only to allegedly refuse to drop her off, instead driving her to a remote and isolated bushy area where he is accused of raping her.

Netshiunda said following his first appearance in the Hlanganani Magistrate’s Court on Friday, the suspect was remanded in custody until Monday, 12 May, when he is expected to make a formal bail application.

In condemning this act, the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu said this vile act—allegedly committed by someone who holds a position of leadership and authority—is a betrayal of the moral, ethical, and societal responsibilities bestowed upon traditional leaders; it flies in the face of the values we seek to uphold in a just, safe, and respectful society. 

Mchunu said it is clear that the Inkosi premeditated this and clearly executed his plan using his car. 

“All along and up to now, when engaging with my counterpart in CoGTA, it has been around the role that traditional leaders need to play on various social ills and around their security concerns, but we have never thought that we now have to engage on their involvement in the act of rape. 

“We commend the South African Police Service for acting swiftly and professionally in response to this incident. We stand in unwavering solidarity with the victim and her family during this painful time. We trust and will ensure that the justice system treats the victim with dignity, that her voice is heard, and that this matter is pursued with the urgency and weight it deserves. No individual—regardless of their title, position, or social standing—should ever be allowed to act with impunity, especially in matters as grave as Gender-Based Violence,” he said.

WHAT DO YOU THINK SHOULD BE DONE TO ADDRESS RAPE CULTURE AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN SOUTH AFRICA?

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