A young Manenberg man accused of raping and sodomising his four-year-old cousin has been sent to Pollsmoor Prison ahead of his bail hearing.
The 18-year-old, who lives in Kathleen Court, made his first appearance at Wynberg Magistrates’ Court on Friday amid protests from residents and the Manenberg Women for Change organisation who called for him to remain behind bars.
He was arrested last Wednesday after the girl’s mother reported him to police when a doctor confirmed the rape.
Residents say the teen planned the sick attack which took place on Friday, 26 July, when he sent her 30-year-old mother to the shop to buy chips so he could be alone with the child.
The child was taken to Heideveld Emergency Centre where it was revealed that she had internal bleeding and she was also treated for a possible
sexually transmitted infection.
GATVOL: Manenberg Women for Change at court
He appeared briefly before Magistrate Goolam Bawa, but proceedings were brought to a halt as he cried in the dock.
A neighbour at court said: “He was crying and upset and so the magistrate said he could stand down till he calmed down.
“He came back up and the case was postponed for a bail hearing on 23 August.
“We continued to protest and we will submit a petition.”
The girl’s mother says her daughter is recovering but
constantly cries.
“She is with the social workers but I go to her every day and wash her and feed her.
“She is recovering well but she still has to be on the antibiotics for the infection. She cries all the time and wants to come home but she can’t.”
Manenberg residents outside court. Pictures supplied