Accused rape suspect Jacobus Khumalo (48) was granted bail in the Mamelodi Magistrate’s court on Wednesday, sparking anger from residents. The case was transferred to the Pretoria regional court where the trial is expected to start on February 19.
Khumalo was granted bail of R3 000 after he pleaded not guilty and also provided an alternative address. Jacobus Khumalo faces charges of kidnapping, assault as well as three counts of rape.
It is alleged that Khumalo grabbed a nine-year-old girl on her way back from a nearby Spaza shop after she was sent by a neighbour to buy chips. It is believed Khumalo took the child to his backyard room where he allegedly assaulted and raped her before threatening to kill her family if she told anyone what had happened.
Residents later accompanied the child to the suspect’s house where she pointed him out. He was arrested by Mamelodi East police on 23 January.
ANC Women’s League in Mamelodi are unhappy with the court granting bail after he gave the court an alternative address in Mamelodi.
Kati Mahlangu, a member of the ANC Women’s League said: “How can the court grant him bail after what he has done to a 9-year-old girl. The man does not deserve bail at all. The innocent child is already having trouble to focus on schoolwork. 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 still in Mamelodi.”
Mahlangu also said residents are angry about congregation members, who go to church with the man, were rejoicing outside the court after he was granted bail.
