A man accused of stabbing his daughters and step-daughters and raping them is believed to have taken his own life, with his body found inside a B&B in Bellville on Tuesday.
Charles Smith, 50, was wanted by police and authorities after he allegedly stabbed his two daughters at their residence following his release on bail.
Smith was facing a charge of rape and was granted bail in December with strict conditions not to make contact with the victims or to visit their home in Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain.
It’s further alleged that Smith revisited the victim’s home and stabbed the two daughters, one aged ten, and then fled the scene and went on the run.
The children’s mother apparently raised the alarm and contacted the neighbours for help.
On 30 December Smith’s body was found inside a room at a B&B in Bellville.
Police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that Smith’s body was discovered: “Bellville police registered an inquest for investigation after the body of a 50-year-old male was discovered at a bed and breakfast in Blankenberg Street, Bellville on Tuesday, 30 December, at about 3.40pm. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.
Linda Jones of the Mitchell’s Plain Community Policing Forum (CPF) said they were appealing for the justice system to become stricter with conditions for bail.
“We need to say we will not tolerate this.”
“This man was in custody for the rape of his daughter and stepdaughter.
“He was granted R3000 bail but could not afford it. “He was back in court on December 15.
“His legal aid asked for reduction.
“The magistrate released him on conditions that he does not go to the area where the victim is or make contact and was granted free bail.
“It was alleged that he broke into the family home and carried out the crime.
“He stabbed the young one ten times and the one that ran out he also stabbed. He then went on the run. The mother went to find help by a neighbour.”