More than a hundred people clamoured over each other to get a good look at the man believed to be KwaDukuza’s most notorious rapist, when he appeared at the KwaDukuza periodical court in Umhlali this morning.
Etete residents were out in full force to catch a glimpse of the man known as ‘Desperado’, who they believe has terrorised their area for many months.
Xolani Richard Mfeka (aka Desperado) and his accomplice Mapho Khuboni were on arrested on Tuesday, January 28. They appeared at KwaDukuza periodical court last Thursday.
They were detained in custody at the Umhlali police station. A large group of Etete locals danced outside the station last week to express their joy at his capture.
At his second court appearance today both applied for legal aid before Magistrate R Pillay. They have been formally charged with two counts of rape and one robbery.
They will continue to be held at the Umhlali police station until their next appearance on Thursday, February 13, when they will be expected to plead their guilt or innocence.
Mfeka appealed to Magistrate R Pillay to be moved to a different station. He said he was worried about his safety in the cells.
“At night, one door is closed and another is left open, I am afraid someone is trying to shoot me,” he said in court. The magistrate dismissed his complaint.
As they were escorted back to their cells, the crowd rushed forward and jeered at them.
Mfeka had a wry smile on his face and Khuboni stared straight down at the ground as they were escorted from the court.
Family violence, child protection and sexual offences unit’s detective warrant officer Deepa Naidoo and detective warrant officer Vusi Blose arrested the men and are heading up the investigation.
“More charges will be consolidated at the next appearance and they will be allowed to apply for bail,” said Naidoo.