KARIEGA – Bail was granted to the tune of R5,000 for the 56-year-old gynaecologist of Nigerian descent who was alleged to have raped a minor on 31 January 2026. The matter stood at the Kariega Magistrate’s Court today, 13 February 2026.
The media applied to take photographs during the proceedings, and of the accused, but the motion was granted with restrictions. The media was not allowed to take photographs of the accused as it is illegal to do so before he pleads, take photographs of the State prosecutor, legal defence, or record any interactions between the defence attorney and the accused. However, the media was granted permission to take video footage of the ruling being given.
The charges against the accused are contravening Section 3 of the Criminal Law (Sexual offences and related matters) Amendment Act, namely that on 31 January 2026, he unlawfully and intentionally raped the complainant without her consent.
UD Express previously reported that the State argued yesterday that the matter falls under Schedule 6 of the Criminal Procedure Act, citing the nature of the allegation; rape of a minor. During arguments on merit, the defence argued that the matter falls under Schedule 1. The presiding magistrate ruled in favour of the State.
In his affidavit, the accused (56) stated that he is a Kariega resident and a gynaecologist at Dora Nginza Hospital, having studied at the University of Nigeria and holding South African citizenship. He told the court he owns properties in Kariega, Centurion and Pretoria, supports six children and has an unemployed wife. He declared that he has no previous convictions, no pending cases and no protection orders against him. The accused further stated that he is not a flight risk, would plead not guilty to the charge, and would not interfere with witnesses or the investigation if released on bail. He acknowledged his legal duty to disclose any prior criminal history and undertook to stand trial.
In handing down judgement, the magistrate found that the State had not demonstrated that the accused was a flight risk or that he would interfere with witnesses. The court noted that the accused had been informed of the allegations prior to his arrest and had voluntarily presented himself to the police, and that he has no prior convictions or pending matters. While emphasising the seriousness of the rape allegation, the magistrate said the State’s case was, at this stage, subject to doubt, particularly regarding the issue of consent. The court held that the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty and ruled that he had met the requirements for bail, granting his release subject to conditions.
Bail was granted in the amount of R5,000 on the following conditions:
- The accused must surrender his passport to the investigating officer immediately upon payment of bail.
- He may not leave the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro without permission from SAPS.
- He must report to SAPS Kariega every Sunday between 07:00 and 19:00 until finalisation of the matter.
- He may not go near the area in which the victim resides.
- He must not interfere with or contact State witnesses.
- He must appear before the magistrate on 26 March 2026 and remain in attendance until he is excused by the court.
The decision made by the magistrate was not well received by some members of the public at the court. Thamsanqa Nkevu, a community leader, said, “The suspect has three properties in the country. Who is to say that he will not flee, given his circumstances? How is justice in South Africa justice when it is failing its people? I am angered by this outcome.”
The matter was remanded to 26 March 2026 for further investigation.
