Case postponed for final arguments
The case faced by a rape suspect from Struisbult was again postponed for Monday.
The suspect’s last appearance on December 19 was when he gave evidence to the court.
After listening to the suspect’s evidence, magistrate Bennita Oswel then postponed the case to today (February 16) for the other witness to give evidence.
In court on today, Maria Sithole was called to the witness stand.
Sithole who helped the victim and her mother when they arrived at the hospital has 30 years of nursing experience and four years experience in the forensic department at the Far East Rand Hospital.
Giving her evidence, Sithole explained that after welcoming the victim and her mother, she explained to them the procedures of her department and that the victim needs to be alone with an official when she reports what happened.
“The mother refused to wait outside as per our procedure, but preferred to be the one giving the information about what happened,” said Sithole.
The evidence given by Sithole to the court contradicted with what she wrote on her sworn statement where she stated that she got all the information about what happened from the victim.
Oswel then postponed the case until Monday for the final arguments by the state and the suspect’s defence.
As the court was in session, protesters outside the court wearing the ANC T-shirts were shouting for the suspect to be found guilty.
The victim’s guardian said she wishes the suspect to be found guilty during the next court appearance.
