Madrassa teacher accused of defiling daughter granted bond

A Muslim Cleric accused of defiling his three-year-old step-daughter has been granted a Sh500, 000 bond with one surety of a similar amount.

Shanzu court senior principal magistrate Diana Mochache on Tuesday granted Mr Mohamed Ahmed, alias Ustadhi, bond after the minor had given her testimony.

The magistrate granted the accused bail with a warning that he “must keep off  the minor and her mother until the case is heard and determined”.

“The accused is prohibited from using social media or print media to discuss the case, he must not also seek for out-of-court settlement of the matter with the minor’s mother,” she ordered.

The magistrate also issued an order prohibiting the accused from inciting his followers against the minor’s mother or any other witness in the case while preaching at the mosque.

“Should the accused violate any of the orders issued by this court, his bond would be automatically cancelled and he would be remanded until the case is heard and determined,” Ms Mochache said.

Immediately the file was called out, the magistrate ordered the public to clear the court to give room for the child to give her evidence.

(READ: Muslim leader fights bail denial in defilement case)

ORDEAL

Ms Mochache said the minor was still of a tender age and hence could not testify in presence of the many people who had turned out to follow the proceedings of the case.

While giving her testimony, the minor narrated to the court how Mr Ahmed, who is also a madrasa teacher defiled her in his house.

The minor told the court the accused undressed her and sexually abused her twice in his room.

She reported the matter to her mother, she told the court.

The minor’s step-mother had told the court that the child shied away from facing the accused whenever they were seated together in the house.

“The minor was afraid to stay close to her father, she never got close to him or received him whenever he arrived home from work,” she told the court.

She said the minor narrated her ordeal and upon undergoing medical examination, it was discovered that the child had been actually defiled.

She said the minor most of the times locked herself inside a room and avoided any contact with the accused, who she had been playing with before the incident.

“The minor was diagnosed with a strong infection, and was put under medication before she was released,” she said 

Mr Mohamed, who divorced with the mother of the child one year ago, had pleaded not guilty to the charges when he first appeared in court.

The court had been told the accused defiled the minor when her mother had gone to attend to other duties away from home.

The accused committed the offence on diverse dates between July 2013 and 2015 at Kwa Bullo, in Kisauni sub-County, Mombasa County.

The accused was also charged with committing an indecent act on the minor.

Officer of the Director of Public Prosecution indicated to the court that they intend to amend the charges facing the respondent.

Hearing continues on August 22.

(Editing by Joel Muinde)