VIDEO: Rapists have no place in Mams – residents
Residents gathered outside the court to demand the suspect be denied bail.
Mamelodi residents came in their numbers to demand a suspected rapist be denied bail on Tuesday morning.
The 77-year-old well-known businessman briefly appeared in the Mamelodi Magistrate’s Court accused of raping a 12-year-old girl.
The accused was denied bail and the case postponed to 30 June.
Police spokesperson Captain Michael Mbewe said the man was arrested on 21 May after the girl’s family reported a case of rape against him to the police.
The family violence child protection and sexual offence unit is investigating.
The community said it was happy bail was denied.
Chairperson of pressure group #Bomme ga re dumele, Pretty Pimblett she said the organisation would support the girl’s family.
“We are here to represent women and children and we want the police to look at the case very sensitively,” said Pimblett.
She said it was best for the suspect to remain in custody until the case was finished or Mamelodi would be turned upside down.
“People raping our children and women should not be granted bail as they don’t belong in the society. Mamelodi is a peaceful place and is not a place of crime.
If found guilty, we hope the law makes an example of the suspect. Rapists and murderers must be permanently eradicated in the society.”
Resident gathered at Maseko Shopping complex then marched to the court holding placards demanding the suspect be denied bail.
“We are going to follow this case until justice has been done,” she said.
“People must speak out and never be afraid. Violence against women and children is violence against the society.”
The girl’s relative, who did not wish to be named for the safety of the child, said the suspect was well-known and the family was in shock.
She said on the day the man was arrested, the girl had revealed she had been raped in April and the man had threatened to kill her if she told anyone.
She said the police had promised counselling for the child but this had not happened as yet.
“We cannot wait while the police take their time so we will organise the counselling ourselves.”
WATCH:
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
