MBUSO MANDELA
Mbuso Mandela, grandson of the late former President Nelson Mandela, walks outside the Houghton home of his grandfather in Johannesburg December 7, 2013. South African anti-apartheid hero Mandela died aged 95 at his Johannesburg home on December 5, 2013 after a prolonged lung infection. REUTERS/ Mujahid Safodien Reuters/Stringer

The grandson of the late Nelson Mandela has been arrested for allegedly raping a 15-year-old girl in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Guardian reports that Mbuso Mandela, 24 years old, is currently in police custody. Brigadier Mashadi Selepi, a police spokeswoman, stated that Mbuso will appear in a Johannesburg magistrate’s court on Aug. 21 for a bail hearing. He appeared briefly in court on Aug. 17 after being charged of the crime. The investigation is still pending. The complainant reportedly said that the incident happened on Aug. 7, but it was not until Aug. 14 when it was reported to the police.

A source told Daily Sun that the girl allegedly entered a popular restaurant in Greenside, Johannesburg with friends on Aug. 14. She went to the bathroom and Mbuso reportedly grabbed and raped her inside one of the toilets.

The source added that the victim lives with her mother. When news of her rape reached the family, her father attempted to file a case with no success. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Nelson Mandela’s ex-wife, reportedly requested the victim’s family to give more time for their family to deal with the issue. After a meeting at the victim’s house in Soweto, Winnie promised to deliver her grandson to the authorities. Winnie also said that she would ask for a press briefing, although none eventually happened.

The girl’s family was angry with the way they were treated by the police and Mandela family, according to the family spokesperson. At his court appearance on Aug. 17, defence lawyer Nico Swart did not provide details about his client’s plea explanation when he applies for bail on Aug. 21, writes the South African news agency IOL News. Under the Sexual Offence Act, having sex with someone under the age of 16 is considered criminal. If the accused proves that it was with consent, he still stands to be charged with statutory rape.

Mbuso is one of the 17 grandchildren of the late South African president and world peace icon. He is the descended from Nelson’s first wife, Evelyn Mase. Nelson died in December 2013 at 95 years old. He was well-known around the world for being an anti-apartheid activist in his younger years, spending 27 years in jail for treason. He became the first black president of the country in 1994.

The police stated that Mbuso will not be given special treatment because of his family background. Selepe said that all the rights of suspects are maintained throughout the investigation and their lawful custody.

More updates on the pending case will be available in the following days.

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