Journalist Douglas Mthukwane has appeared in the Kimberley District Court, facing charges of allegedly raping a 26-year-old traditional healer at his home during a ritual.

The woman reported the incident to the police, leading to Mthukwane's arrest.

Mojalefa Senokoatsane, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, confirmed the charges and mentioned that Mthukwane, a former provincial spokesperson for the Northern Cape Provincial Department of Education and an experienced journalist, is currently undergoing trial in the High Court of South Africa, Northern Cape Division, sitting in Kimberley for the rape case.

As per the defense's request, he will be remanded in custody.

"The case will be back in court on December 11, 2023 for consultations. In the High Court trial where he is being charged with multiple counts of rape, the matter has been remanded to March 11 next year, as the accused has been referred for 30 days of observation where he is currently number 47 on the list to be admitted," Senokoatsane said.