Eastern Cape “Corrective” Rape Survivor Welcomes Court’s Bail Decision

A “corrective” rape case involving a young lesbian woman in the Eastern Cape returned to the Ngqeleni Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 19 January, and Thursday, 22 January, for a decision on the accused’s bail application.

“On Monday, we went to court, and the defence’s lawyer and the prosecutor got to cross-examine the [alleged] perpetrator,” the survivor, Yongama Magudu, told MambaOnline. “However, the judge could not decide then whether to grant bail or not.”

When the matter resumed on Thursday, the magistrate finally denied the accused’s bail application, a decision welcomed by the survivor.

“The reason being that when questioned, he [the accused] told lies. The reasons he gave for raping me were not valid, so his bail application was rejected,” said Magudu.

Magudu was raped in October 2025 near a tavern in Lwandile location, during which her attacker allegedly told her: “I am taking out this thing that is making you like girls.”

She said that the presence of supporters, including members of the community and queer activists, in court was a stirring show of solidarity and demonstrated the seriousness of the case.

“The LGBTIQ+ community was there once again to support me, and he [the accused] saw that people are angry about what he has done,” Magudu said.

Community pressure and court monitoring

LGBTIQ+ rights organisation Access Chapter 2 (AC2) confirmed that the bail proceedings were finalised on 22 January.

“After a rigorous and thorough cross-examination, and careful consideration of the safety of the survivor, as well as the safety of family members of the accused who are part of the LGBTI community and who support the case, the presiding magistrate refused bail,” said Notshayina Skepe, Provincial LGBTI Chairperson and Eastern Cape AC2 Paralegal Officer.

“We welcome this decision and view it as a significant step towards justice and accountability,” Skepe stated.

Skepe highlighted that the denial of bail followed community action, including peaceful picketing outside the court and the submission of a petition signed by 600 community members.

The bail ruling marks an important development in a case that has drawn attention to the ongoing reality of so-called “corrective” rape and other hate crimes faced by lesbian women, particularly in rural and township communities.

The matter is expected to proceed later this year at a date still to be confirmed. “We will continue to monitor the proceedings and provide support until the case is fully finalised,” said Skepe.