Outrage as child rape accused fails to appear in court

TENSIONS ran high outside the Wynberg Magistrate's Court yesterday as around 30 Hanover Park residents gathered to support the 9-year-old girl allegedly raped by a 51-year-old parolee, only to find the accused would not be appearing in court as expected.

- MANDILAKHE TSHWETE

The man, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, is accused of giving the young girl R20 to buy milk while she was walking to madrassah at a local mosque in Hanover Park.

He allegedly kept her inside his home for more than five hours before she was rescued.

According to community members, when news spread that the child was trapped inside, residents surrounded the house and demanded justice, and a clash with police ensued.

Following his arrest, authorities confirmed the suspect was expected to appear in court yesterday, and his absence sparked frustration and disappointment among community members who travelled to support the child.

Community activist, Mansoer Arendse, said residents felt betrayed and criminalised for taking action to protect one of their own.

"We are very disappointed. We came out here in numbers to support the victim," he said.