AN Edleen resident (52) wanted by police in connection with child rape, briefly appeared in Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
The accused, who will stand trial on two counts of rape, was taken into custody after a photograph of him was published in Kempton Express a few weeks ago.
His bail application hearing was postponed until today.
It was revealed in court on Friday that his alleged victims were both minors, aged nine and 10 respectively. The incidents allegedly occurred in July and December 2015 during the school holidays. The siblings’ mother had opened a case in January this year after the children broke their silence.
After the case was opened the man allegedly made a run for it and was last seen at his previous residence on Panorama Avenue, Edleen.
“The last information received was that he and his wife had relocated to Meyerton,” said Lt Col Tobie Strauss, commander of the family violence, child protection and sexual offences unit in the Ekurhuleni North SAPS Cluster.
He was finally arrested in Cape Town at his brother’s house on June 3.
“We received information from an anonymous source after the story was published, leading to the arrest,” explained Strauss.
The accused’s wife and her daughter attended the court proceedings dressed in black. The accused wore maroon cotton tracksuit pants with a blue cotton sweater.
His defence lawyer began proceedings by reading out his affidavit which stated that he was not a flight risk and should be granted bail.
His stepdaughter was then put on the stand as the accused would stay at her house in Germiston if granted bail.
Investigating officer on the case, Jacky Baloyi, also took to the stand. Baloyi revealed to the court that the alleged rape incidents had taken place in July and December 2015. He also read out an extract from the 10-year-old’s statement which outlined how she was sleeping with her sister when the accused tapped her on the shoulder to wake her up.
The defence argued there was no proof of the rape or evidence from a doctor in the J88, or Boksburg Kidz Clinic. Both conclusions after examinations, stated there was no physical injury evidence, but this did not rule out penetration.
The examinations were conducted in January.
An affidavit by Lt Col Strauss pointed out his numerous failed attempts at contacting the accused. The officer stated it was only when Swart and his wife’s pictures were sent to Kempton EXPRESS that a lead was given.
He also outlined how he received a call from an alleged family member in Cape Town claiming she had also been a victim of sexual assault by the suspect 17 years ago.
The victim will be laying a charge.
