Trusted and kind uncle turns out to be a 'serial child abuser' - Witbank in shock

Families and residents of Emalahleni (Witbank) are reeling after the arrest of 39-year-old Cascar Bongani Nkosi, a man widely known as a kind and warm uncle in the community.

Shockingly, he stands accused of being a serial child rapist who preyed on at least 13 young girls (ages 7–13), with fears that the actual number of victims may go up to 30.

For months, young girls in Emalahleni, Vosman, and Mhluzi (Middleburg) mysteriously disappeared, only to later report being abducted and raped. 

Nkosi, who often helped search for missing girls, was seen as a trusted uncle, neighbour and friend until a 7-year-old victim bravely spoke out, leading to his arrest.

Police discovered a disturbing pattern: Nkosi allegedly lured girls by sending them to a tuck shop, then forced them into his vehicle before assaulting them.

Behind the friendly façade, he was carefully grooming his victims. He used favours and small acts of kindness to lower their defences.

The Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit connected multiple cases, identifying Nkosi as the prime suspect. 

He was arrested while already attending court for a separate assault and Gender-Based Violence case. His case has now been transferred to the High Court, with the trial set to begin on 18 May 2026. The prosecution is working to combine all charges, including kidnapping, rape, and assault, into a single trial.

"He seemed like a family friend — kind, helpful, always bringing sweets or small toys for the kids. My daughter said he made her feel special, always picking her out for attention, praising her, and calling her his “little princess.”

He offered to walk her home, helped with schoolwork, and even told me how smart and polite she was. I never imagined anything sinister. I trusted him. He used that trust to isolate her, to make her keep secrets. She was too young to understand it was wrong. By the time I realised something was off, the damage had already been done," SIbongile, one of the girls' mothers, told The Star.

Child rapists often use manipulative and deceptive tactics to gain access to their victims and control them. These offenders rarely appear as strangers or obvious threats.

Instead, they often present themselves as trustworthy, kind, or familiar figures in a child’s life or community. By gaining trust first, they lower the child’s and their family’s suspicions, making it easier to exploit the child. One common strategy is offering attention, favours, or gifts.

This could be as simple as giving treats, toys, or small acts of kindness that create a feeling of special connection. Such gestures make the child feel valued and may create a sense of obligation or loyalty toward the offender. The abuser often uses this to manipulate the child’s emotions and gradually isolate them from others.

Acting Provincial Commissioner Major Gen. Zeph Mkhwanazi praised police efforts, stating, "We are ensuring the suspect is removed from society so victims can sleep peacefully."

Families of the survivors are relieved but demand swift justice, fearing more victims may still come forward. Nkosi remains in custody.

This case has shattered the Witbank community, proving that predators often disguise themselves as trusted figures. Authorities urge any additional victims or witnesses to come forward as investigations continue.