Police have arrested two boys for the brutal rape and murder of 14-year-old Janika Mello from Heinz Park.
The teens made their second appearance at the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court on Thursday following their arrest last week.
It is understood police first arrested the 18-year-old who then led them to a 16-year-old.
On Thursday the suspects, who looked bruised and sick, appeared in a closed court.
The mother of the 16-year-old burst into tears when she saw her son’s bruised face.
More than 100 Heinz Park residents protested outside court calling for bail to be opposed.
SCENE: Janika was found half-naked in her ouma’s backyard
Janika, who was a Grade 6 pupil at Northwood Primary School in Woodlands, went to a karaoke at Portlands High School to support a local soccer club on Saturday, 31 August.
The teen was later dropped off by a taxi close to her home.
Her half-naked body was found in her backyard the following morning.
Used condoms were found around her and the left side of her face was smashed in with a concrete block.
Her ouma, Pauline Butler, said residents pointed the suspects out to police the same day.
“They were arrested on Monday and Tuesday, first the 18-year-old and then the 16-year-old.
“They were identified by the community.
“The younger had scratches in his neck, so she fought them,” says the hartseer granny.
Meanwhile, a 22-year-old woman at the court claimed the 16-year-old and his friends had also gang-raped her on 1 September 2018.
“That boy even wanted to rape me in my bum. A girlfriend of one of the guys raping me came to stop them and I managed to get away,” she said.
“My case was provisionally withdrawn and I still don’t know why.”
The young woman says she cannot eat or sleep, and is afraid to go outside as the gang continues to threaten her.
OPPOSE BAIL: More than 100 Heinz Park residents protest outside Wynberg Magistrates’ Court
Speaking to the Daily Voice, the mother of the 16-year-old cried as she said her son and Janika were friends.
“They grew up together, played together and he slept over at her house,” she said.
“I also have a daughter, I would not let anything like this happen to anyone.
“If my child is guilty, he must rot in jail.”
Janika will be laid to rest on Saturday.
Her funeral will take place at the Colorado Park New Apostolic Church.
The matter was postponed to 18 September for a bail application.
Family and community members outside Wynberg Magistrates Court. Video: Saafia February.