Two men accused of rape, kidnapping, assault and drug-related offences remain in custody after appearing in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court, where the matter was postponed for a formal bail application.
Diveshan Chetty and Fiaaz Mohamed Khan face charges of rape, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), kidnapping and possession of drugs.
According to court records seen by the Merebank and Chatsworth Tabloid, the case was first enrolled on 29 June and has been postponed to 27 August in Court A.
The charges relate to an incident allegedly committed during the early hours of 29 June at a property in Road 706, opposite Montarena Secondary School in Welbedacht.
According to information received by the Merebank and Chatsworth Tabloid from a source with knowledge of the matter, the alleged victim is a 20-year-old man who had been living at the property after losing both his parents.
It is alleged that at about 1am, the victim was assaulted before being subjected to a sexual assault. The source further alleged that the incident was recorded on a cellphone and circulated to another individual together with a threatening message.
The recipient allegedly alerted police, who responded to the property and arrested the two accused. A quantity of suspected drugs was also allegedly seized during the operation.
The Merebank and Chatsworth Tabloid understands that the victim is currently staying with relatives at an undisclosed address.
The allegations have sent shockwaves through the Welbedacht community, with residents expressing concern over claims that the property was allegedly being used for drug-related activities.
The matter has been postponed to 27 August for further court proceedings.
The accused have not yet pleaded to the charges and remain presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
