Nelson Mandela's Grandson Charged With Rape In Court

Mbuso, one of the late Nelson Mandelas 17 grandchildren has been charged with raping a 15-year-old girl inside

a South African bar bathroom while dining in Johannesburg

According to the South Africa's Star newspaper, Mbuso Mandela, 24 appeared in a Johannesburg court Monday. He will stay in police custody until at least Friday, when he is given a formal bail hearing.

Media reports suggest that the girl was followed to a toilet where she was allegedly raped in a cubicle on the night of 7 August. Mbuso was arrested last weekend after the alleged victim, who is receiving counselling, opened a case against him.

Brigadier Mashadi Selepe, a police spokeswoman, said the investigation was ongoing. “According to the complainant, it happened on 7 August 2015,” she continued. “It was reported to the police on the 14 August 2015.”

As a follow-up on the assault, the family of the victim claimed that the late Mandibas family has since then tried to interfere with cops investigations but insisted that the law must be respected. 

According to a spokesman on behalf of the family of the victim “Just because they have a famous surname, they think they can get away with crime,” the spokesman said. “Children can’t just be raped and then everything is alright.”

On the part of the bar operators where the incidence occurred, the South African Time Newspaper reported that staff at an African-themed bar and restaurant in the Greenside area of Johannesburg said they were unaware of any incident on the night in question.

While the case has been brought before the court, it is of note to know that Mandela died in 2013 at the age of 95.