In Impendle, located in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands of South Africa, a wave of anger has swept through the community in response to the alarming increase in Rape incidents.

The catalyst for this collective anger was a horrifying incident in which a 31-year-old man reportedly raped his fiancée's 8-year-old daughter, a third-grade student.

The accused faced a significant setback on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, when his request for bail was denied at the Impendle magistrate's court, where he was charged with rape.

During the bail hearing, one of the aggravating factors highlighted was the alleged threats made by the accused against both the victim and his fiancée.

Thami Mkhulise, a Community activist and ANC ward 5 branch chairperson, condemned the accused's actions, describing them as a reflection of some of the individuals in their society.

Mkhulise also revealed disturbing information, asserting that up to five primary school pupils in the area had reportedly fallen victim to sexual violations.

Expressing the community's collective demand for justice, Mkhulise emphasized the gravity of the crime, especially when committed against a young child, and stressed the need for increased awareness about rape, as some families tend to shield the perpetrators.

He pointed out the unfortunate tendency for communities to handle such matters privately, which further exacerbates the problem.

Officials from the provincial department of social development, who were present at the court proceedings, disclosed that social workers had been assigned to assist the affected families during this troubling time.