The Zeerust Magistrate's Court yesterday heard a shocking tale of how children aged between two and six years were given alcohol, raped using a vibrator, told to masturbate, beaten up and shown pornographic material.

This was allegedly done by their biological parents, their uncle, cousin and grandmother.

According to court documents, the crimes were committed while the accused were under the influence of alcohol and drugs at their Nietverdiend home near Zeerust, North West, from March 2014.

They are all facing 31 counts including attempted murder, rape, sexual assault and incest.

Prosecutor Riekie Krause told the court that the charges against the accused were very serious and that if they were found guilty, they could be given life sentences.

The accused are to apply for bail.

Investigating officer Warrant Officer Pretorius said in an affidavit the alcohol, drug abuse and neglect of the children were confirmed by their cousin during an interview with a social worker, Berdine Venter.

Pretorius's affidavit stated that the children's mother walked around the house naked. She also allegedly gave one of the children Vodka to drink and sexually assaulted them.

The children's plight was discovered by a neighbour, who informed the police.

The children have since been taken to a place of safety.

Advocate Nzame Skibi of Legal Aid SA, for the grandmother and the children's uncle, argued that the grandmother be granted bail because she is diabetic.

Magistrate Andre Kleynhans postponed the case to October 26 for the state prosecutor to address the court and for him to hand down the bail application judgment.

tshehleb@sowetan.co.za