Fakudze was granted R1 000 bail after he pleaded not guilty and also provided an alternative address.

According to Barberton police spokesman, Capt Jabu Ndubane, he was arrested
on Sunday. He made his first court appearance on Monday, however, the court made a ruling on his bail application on Thursday.

He is expected back in court on September 13.

Read: Court grants rape victim R850 000

Ndubane said it is alleged that Fakudze grabbed the victim on her way home from visiting friends at around 20:00.

“It is believed that Fakudze took the child to the bush next to the road to Barberton Prison Farm where he allegedly raped her. Her family and community members later accompanied the child to the suspect’s house, which is situated at Extension 13, where she pointed him out,” said Ndubane.

Community members and the ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) in Emjindini, picketed outside the court to oppose bail being granted to Fakudze. They are unhappy with the court granting him bail after he gave an alternative address in Bourhill, a settlement near to Emjindini Trust.

The mother of the victim, who cannot be named as this protects the child identity, asked how the court could come to the conclusion of granting Fakudze bail.

Also read: Sentencing of rape accused moved to Nelspruit

“This man does not deserve bail. My innocent child is already mentally troubled. What if she comes across the suspect on the street and he threatens to kill her, because he gave the Magistrate’s Court an alternative address, but sill in Barberton jurisdiction,” she said.

Community members and the ANCWL have vowed to continue demonstrating whenever the suspect appears in court until the finalisation of the case.