A trial date for alleged child rapist Raphael Martin has finally been set for July this year following months of delays.
The former City of Cape Cape Town subcouncil manager and Umkhonto we Sizwe freedom fighter returned to Mitchell’s Plain Regional Court on Friday where the date was set for 29 July, a year after he was busted by Strandfontein police.
Martin, who has subsequently been sacked by the municipality, was busted in July 2019 after a 13-year-old girl came forward and told her parents that she had been raped for three years.
At the time, the teen’s family explained they were friends with Martin and trusted him in their home.
In one incident, he allegedly sexually assaulted the young girl in the kitchen while her parents were in the next room and this led to her finally opening up to her older sister.
The teen’s mom, who may not be named, says they are happy a date has been set.
“We were at court on Friday where his lawyer revealed that he will be pleading not guilty to the charges and he has one witness who will vouch for him.
“The state said they had four witnesses who they will bring to the stand including the doctor who examined my daughter.
“There have been many delays and we are glad that a date has been set now.
“It will be a closed court as my daughter will be testifying and we are hoping this brings closure for her and our family,” she says.