A 37-YEAR-OLD Route 42 minibus conductor was, on Tuesday, January 22, 2019, charged with two counts of rape after allegedly being involved in a relationship with a13-year-old girl.

Thandikuma Bakker made his appearance before Principal Magistrate Sherdel Marcus- Isaacs, at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court and was not required to plea to the indictable charge which was read in camera.

Particulars of the first charge alleged that, during the month of May 2018, at High Street, Georgetown, he engaged in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16.
It was further alleged that, during the month of June 2018, at Mahdia, Potato-Siparuni, he engaged in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16.

Bakker was released on a total of $300,000 bail with the condition that he kept away from the victim until the completion of trial. The matter was adjourned until January 29, 2019
According to the evidence presented, Bakker and the teen were involved in a sexual relationship.

It was alleged that Bakker would take the 13-year-old girl on trips and buy her things. However the teen’s parents found out about the relationship and reported the matter to the police.