READ: Howick Man Arrested on Sexual Assault Charges Involving Twin Sisters in KwaZulu-Natal

Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal – May 15, 2025

KwaZulu-Natal police have confirmed the arrest of a man from Howick, charged with the sexual assault of 13-year-old twin sisters. The allegations detail a prolonged period of abuse that reportedly began when the victims were six years old. The suspect, whose identity is withheld to protect the victims, was apprehended following an investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS). He was scheduled to appear in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday, May 9, 2025, but the case was postponed after the state reported that the accused had been assaulted. The matter has been remanded to May 29, 2025, for further proceedings.

The suspect allegedly shared a residence with the victims and their grandmother at the time the abuse began. According to police, the assaults took place over several years, starting when the twin sisters were six years old and continuing until the time of the suspect’s arrest. The relationship between the suspect and the victims has not been disclosed by authorities, though it is confirmed that they resided in the same household during the period in question. The grandmother, who was also living in the home, has not been implicated in the allegations.

The South African Police Service in KwaZulu-Natal initiated an investigation after receiving information about the alleged assaults. Details regarding how the abuse came to light have not been made public, as the case involves minors and sensitive information. SAPS has stated that the arrest followed a thorough investigation to ensure sufficient evidence was gathered to support the charges. The suspect faces multiple counts of sexual assault, though specific details of the charges, including the number of counts or the nature of the alleged acts, have not been released to the public to protect the victims’ privacy.

The case was set to proceed with a bail hearing on May 9, 2025, at the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court. However, the state informed the court that the suspect had been assaulted prior to his scheduled appearance. Authorities did not disclose the circumstances of the assault, including where it occurred, who was responsible, or the extent of the suspect’s injuries. Due to this development, the court postponed the case to May 29, 2025, to allow for further investigation and to ensure the suspect was fit to appear. It remains unclear whether the assault will impact the legal proceedings or lead to additional charges against other individuals.

The allegations have sparked outrage in the Howick community and across KwaZulu-Natal, raising concerns about the safety of vulnerable children in domestic settings. The case highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement and child protection services in addressing sexual abuse, particularly when it occurs within a household over an extended period. South Africa has one of the highest rates of sexual violence globally, with Statistics South Africa reporting that over 40% of women have experienced some form of sexual assault in their lifetime. Cases involving minors are particularly distressing, as they often involve trusted individuals in close proximity to the victims.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development has been notified of the case, and the victims are reportedly receiving support. Authorities have confirmed that the twin sisters are now in a safe environment, though specifics about their current care arrangements have not been disclosed. Child welfare organizations in the region have emphasized the importance of psychological and emotional support for the victims, who are likely to face long-term trauma as a result of the alleged abuse. The involvement of social workers and counselors underscores the priority placed on protecting the well-being of the 13-year-old girls as the legal process unfolds.

The postponement of the court appearance has drawn attention to the issue of vigilante justice in South Africa, where suspects in high-profile cases, particularly those involving crimes against children, sometimes face community retaliation. While the police have not confirmed whether the assault on the suspect was related to the charges, such incidents are not uncommon in cases that provoke strong public emotions. SAPS has urged the public to allow the legal system to handle the case and to refrain from actions that could complicate the judicial process.

The Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court is expected to address several matters when the case resumes on May 29, 2025, including the suspect’s bail application and the formal reading of the charges. The state is likely to oppose bail, citing the severity of the allegations and the need to protect the victims and the community. Prosecutors will also present evidence gathered during the investigation, which may include statements from the victims, medical reports, and other corroborating materials. The defense has not yet publicly commented on the case or indicated whether the suspect intends to plead guilty or not guilty.

This case adds to the ongoing national conversation about addressing sexual violence and protecting children in South Africa. Advocacy groups have called for stronger measures to prevent abuse, including better education on recognizing signs of abuse and improved access to reporting mechanisms. The KwaZulu-Natal police have reaffirmed their commitment to investigating crimes against children thoroughly and ensuring that perpetrators face justice.

As the case progresses, the focus remains on the well-being of the twin sisters and the pursuit of justice for the alleged crimes committed against them. The Howick community awaits the court’s decision on May 29, 2025, as the legal process continues to unfold in this deeply troubling case.