Alleged child rapist's freedom short-lived

The 42-year-old man from Syferfontein accused of kidnapping two girls, aged 10 and 12, from Conville on Saturday 24 May and raping the younger one, made his first appearance in the George Magistrate's Court on Tuesday 27 May.

- Kristy Kolberg

The girls' families, their friends, community members and representatives of the George and Conville CPFs and neighbourhood watches sat in silence as the dishevelled, unkempt accused was led from the holding cells to the dock.

The accused, whose identity may not be published until he has pleaded, faces two charges of kidnapping and one of rape. He is due back in court for a formal bail application on Thursday 5 June.

In the meantime, the community members are already planning a picket outside the court building to oppose bail.

The child's mother, who is understandably still in shock and riddled with anger, did not have much comment at this stage, but said she hopes that justice will prevail for her daughter's sake.