KEY POINTS
- A convicted rapist on parole is accused of another child rape.
- Community members demand justice and parole reform.
- Investigators await DNA evidence to move the case forward.
A convicted child rapist who reportedly committed additional crimes had his parole revoked by authorities, sparking outrage and calls for accountability and systemic change.
Court revokes parole after man is accused of new child rape
On Friday, a 51-year-old man who is suspected of raping a 9-year-old girl in Hanover Park appeared in court for the second time in Wynberg.
After reportedly luring the teenage victim from her neighborhood and committing the crime while still under parole monitoring, police detained him.
The accused was charged by prosecutors with a number of offenses, including rape, sexual assault, human trafficking, and kidnapping the little girl last month.
As tensions between locals continued to rise outside the court, the accused entered a crowded courtroom with increased police presence.
Concerned citizens of Hanover Park demonstrated, holding signs and singing, calling for the victim to receive justice and for repeat criminals to face more severe penalties.
The State acknowledged in court that when the guy was arrested on the most recent troubling criminal charges, authorities formally terminated his parole.
He was first found guilty of rape and indecent assault in 2008, according to officials, and served a number of years before being granted parole last November.
In court, the accused’s Legal Aid lawyer said that his client would not request bail at this point in the case.
A prosecutor assigned by the court asked for additional time to speak with the victim and gather evidence that is necessary for the case to move forward.
Additionally, the prosecution told the court that detectives were still awaiting crucial DNA reports related to the incident as well as photos from the crime site.
Investigation continues as evidence and victim support are finalized
A citizen who wished to remain anonymous expressed disapproval of the investigation’s delays and asked why authorities didn’t take action sooner to safeguard children.
He took advantage of the child, and they are taking their time and claiming that there isn’t any proof. How? Why wait? She enquired.
According to ewn, people in the community expressed their dissatisfaction with what they see as a flawed legal system that permits convicted criminals to return to society too soon.
In order to give investigators more time to collect evidence and finish follow-up discussions with the victim, court officials decided to postpone the case until July 25.
To keep up the pressure and make sure justice is done in this case quickly and openly, the residents said they will be back on the next court date.
