By Siphesihle Dlamini
20-year-old Seluleko Smart Dlamini from Mpolonjeni has been accused of a heinous crime – the rape of a 14-year-old girl.
The shocking incident, which took place on March 15, 2024, in the vicinity of Mbabane, has left the community reeling with disbelief and outrage. Dlamini stands charged with contravening section 3(1) as read with section 3(3)(c) of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act 15/2018, specifically for engaging in an unlawful sexual act with the young victim, Agnes Charles*.
The offence is accompanied by aggravating factors as envisaged by Section 185 bis of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act No: 67/1938 as amended in that: the accused person did not use a condom during the commission of the offence thus exposing the victim to the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS.
ALSO READ:76-year-old allegedly rapes 13-year-old granddaughter
Furthermore, the victim’s tender age at the time of the assault underscores the predatory nature of the crime, as she was incapable, by law, of comprehending the true implications of the sexual act forced upon her. If found guilty, Dlamini would face the grim prospect of having his name added to the national register for sex offenders, a mark that would follow him for life.
During the court proceedings, the prosecution vehemently argued for Dlamini to be remanded in custody until April 12, 2024, pending trial at the High Court, citing the seriousness of the charges and the need to protect the community from potential harm.
