WATCH: Protesters oppose bail for rape, murder accused

Political affiliations and differences were set aside as a group of protesters demonstrated outside the Mtubatuba court precinct in the wake of the appearance of a 33-year-old suspect who was arrested for the rape and murder of a seven-year-old girl.

The accused was set to appear at the High Court in Mtubatuba today (Thursday) for the rape and murder of Zanokuhle Khumalo (7), which occurred in Dumisani Makhaye Village outside Empangeni, where she lived.

Waving placards with anti gender-based violence messages, the protesters were baying for blood outside the court, some calling for no bail for the accused.

The accused, who is appearing for a pre-trial hearing at the High Court, is set to face charges of kidnapping, rape and murder.

He was arrested in July following a community-wide search.

Zanokuhle’s grandfather, Mbongeni, has previously told the Zululand Observer that it would be costly for the family to travel to far-flung Mtubatuba for the matter but has, however, expressed his faith in the justice system.

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