A 21-year-old man accused of raping a woman “and biting her like a vampire” on Guy Fawkes was released on R500 bail on Thursday.
Peter Lee Hercules made his third appearance at the Mitchells Plain Magistrate's Court.
He is accused of raping a 25-year-old woman and biting off flesh from her face and ear.
State prosecutor Farieda Jacobs said Hercules, who has a tiny ponytail and was dressed in a T-shirt and jeans, was walking his alleged victim home from a party on 5 November when he allegedly pulled down her pants and raped her.
“The victim is extremely traumatised and is fearing his release. She said the accused bit her on the cheek. According to the J88, there are bite marks on her cheek and lip,” the prosecutor says.
The court heard Hercules had no previous convictions or warrants and that he had a new address where he could stay should he be granted bail.
The address was not disclosed because Hercules fears for his safety.
Magistrate Alwira Bezuidenhout granted Hercules R500 bail with strict conditions.
“Look at me when I am talking to you,” she told him.
TRAUMATISED: Victim's family outside Mitchells Plain court
“You may not enter Mitchells Plain unless you are coming to attend the court case. You may not contact the witness and victim or your bail will be revoked.”
The case was postponed to 23 January for further investigation.
Outside court, the woman’s uncle said his niece was still recovering.
“My niece doesn’t know him, but he is from the area and that night he walked her halfway home.
“He bit her face and ear. There were pieces of skin missing. She is still healing.”
Outside court, the Mitchells Plain Crisis Forum protested against bail.
Spokeswoman Joanie Fredericks said Hercules was known in the community as a respectable young man, but apparently “turned into a monster who bit his victim like a vampire while raping her”.