‘MY CHILD IS YOUR CHILD’

A BUSINESSMAN and manager at an Astron Energy garage on the N7 is accused of sexually assaulting a young girl.

The minor victim, aged 12, is from the community of Citrusdal.

The State is set to prove that the well-known sakeman had gained the trust of his victim while working as management at the popular service station.

It is further alleged that he had taken the victim into his care where he lives with his family and his disabled child, and that he apparently showered her with gifts such as clothing and other items.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has since confirmed the charges and that his bail application took place at the Citrusdal Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

Eric Ntabazalila, Regional Communications Manager for the NPA, said: “Please note that the accused’s bail application started [on Tuesday] and it is the defence’s case. 

“It has been postponed until 6 November 2025 for further bail application. The accused is charged with two counts of sexual assault and a count of sexual grooming.”

Astron Energy’s media communications team said it was not able to comment on the matter as it involved a court case.

The company stated: “Thank you for bringing this to our attention. As this matter is before the courts, we are unable to comment further.”

Outraged community leaders and activists in Citrusdal who attended the court appearance and are assisting the victim’s family, said they were opposing his release on bail.

Johanna Annelize Filander, chairperson of the Matzikama Farmworkers and Farm Dwellers Forum, said: “The community is heartbroken and we are saying that my child is your child.

“Our members on the farms and workers are scared to talk, and that they will lose their work and house.

“Today I want everyone to know that they must not be scared, if anything happens like this case.

The mother of the victim, told the Cape Argus that she had allegedly entrusted the man with her child because he was a respected businessman and allegedly allowed the child to live at his residence to assist her.

She explained: “The agreement was that my child would stay there because he would help her with her school work as I was working.

“I as the mother still had all the rights and that the child could come home anytime.”

She said her daughter broke her silence earlier this year, but that a case was opened a few weeks ago when the child allegedly revealed more details of what allegedly transpired.

The ontstelde mom said: “She sent me another SMS, she wants to come back home and that she can’t take it anymore and wanted to take her life.

“He would [allegedly] buy her gifts. She chose to come back home. My child opened up after speaking with the prophet.”