Rape accused waves right to bail

Update

GEORGE NEWS - The 42-year-old man who is accused of kidnapping and raping a 10-year-old girl on Saturday 24 May decided to wave his right to a bail application in the George Magistrate’s Court earlier today, Thursday 5 June.

The accused faces two charges of kidnapping and one of rape. Due to the sexual offence charge against him, his name may not be published until he pleads.

The case was postponed for further investigation and the accused will make his next court appearance on Tuesday 8 July.

He was arrested on Sunday 25 May, after the girl was found in a filthy caravan behind the showgrounds on a farm in Groeneweide Park.

The accused from Syferfontein faces two charges of kidnapping and one of rape after he allegedly kidnapped two girls, aged 10 and 12, on Saturday 24 May and raped the younger one.

According to Southern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies, preliminary investigations show the incident occurred when the victim and her friend (12) from Conville had been walking along York Street near the George Cemetery.

A man approached them, convincing them to follow him to a nearby shop. He then led them to an open field near the George refuse site on the R102, where the 10-year-old was raped.

The second girl escaped and authorities were alerted.

On Sunday morning, the search led the authorities to Syferfontein near Pacaltsdorp, where the suspect was located. Further investigation directed the police and neighbourhood watch members to a run-down caravan on a farm behind the showgrounds in Groeneweide Park, where the victim was found.

She was taken to a medical facility for care. The suspect remains in custody and will appear for his bail application on Thursday 5 June.

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