Murder Charges Dropped Against Lady frere Mother Who Killed Daughter’s Alleged Rapist

Locals from Cacaude (formerly known as Lady Frere) outside the Lady Frere Magistrates Court where a 44-year-old mother who was facing murder charges for the death of a daughter's rapist appeared. Picture: Premier Oscar Mabuyane/Facebook.

EAST LONDON - Murder charges have been withdrawn against a mother from Cacadu (formerly known as Lady Frere), who beat a man to death after catching him raping her disabled daughter.

According to media reports, the incident occurred on 5 April, when the 44-year-old woman discovered a 65-year-old man sexually assaulting her daughter at his home in Cacadu. The man was reportedly beaten to death by the mother with the help of local residents.

The mother appeared in the Cacadu Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 5 May. During the hearing, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) announced its decision to drop the charges against her.

Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, who attended the court proceedings, welcomed the NPA’s decision.

Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane outside the Lady Frere Magistrates Court. Picture: Premier Oscar Mabuyane/Facebook.

“While we acknowledge the independence of the judiciary and respect the legal processes that were followed, we commend the NPA for its sensitivity and careful consideration of the extreme circumstances surrounding this tragic incident,” said Mabuyane. “This decision reflects a compassionate understanding of the context and the instinctive protective actions taken by a mother in a moment of unimaginable trauma,” Mabuyane said in a press statement.

Mabuyane emphasised the broader implications of the case, highlighting the urgent need to address violence against women and children.

“We must ensure our communities are safe spaces where children can grow up without fear and where women are protected and supported. No one should have to live in fear in their own home,” he stated. “This is a call to all sectors—government, civil society, traditional leaders, and especially men in our communities—to take active responsibility in ending gender-based violence.”

This is not the first time such a case has emerged in Cacadu. In October 2017, another mother accused of killing her daughter’s rapist was also cleared of charges after the NPA declined to prosecute.