A 59-year-old man from Tijgerhof, Milnerton, has been released on R10 000 bail after the Western Cape High Court upheld an appeal against the refusal of his bail application. The accused faces multiple charges, including rape, sexual assault, and assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm related to alleged abuse against his daughter.
Legal Proceedings And Bail Conditions
The High Court ruling, delivered on 3 March 2026 by Acting Judge R. Kantor, followed an initial dismissal of the accused’s bail application in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court on 28 October 2025. Under the terms of his release, the accused is strictly prohibited from residing at his former home in Tijgerhof and must report to the Cape Town Central Police Station twice weekly.
“When I was a child my father used to beat me with a belt and physically assault me. Started to sexually abuse me from the age of 12 and started to rape me till now,” the complainant stated during proceedings. She added: “I fear for my safety. I left home and live with a friends family. I am terrified of my father if he is granted bail he will come looking for me. He will kill me.”
Context Of Gender-Based Violence In The Western Cape
The decision to grant bail in cases involving severe domestic and sexual violence remains a contentious issue in South Africa, often balancing the constitutional rights of the accused against the safety of victims. Legal experts frequently note that bail applications in such matters hinge on whether the accused can be reasonably expected to stand trial without interfering with witnesses or endangering those they are accused of harming.
As the legal process continues, the matter is expected to return to court for further pretrial proceedings to determine a trial date.