By Palesa Matlala
- A neighbour recorded a video of the attack on the girl which is now key evidence in the court case.
- Bosa leader Mmusi Maimane said the government must make the national sex offender register public to protect our local communities.
A Dobsonville man accused of kidnapping and raping a 13-year-old girl has dropped his request for bail following public anger.
The 56-year-old is a church deacon and a member of an African National Congress branch.
He is accused of attacking the young girl during the Easter weekend.
A neighbour recorded a video of the attack. Police are using this video as a key piece of evidence in the case against him.
The man walked into the court smiling and looked calm. But after a short appearance, his lawyer told the court he would no longer apply to be released on bail.
The state welcomed his decision to stay in jail. Prosecutors asked the court to delay the case to give them time to finish their work. They said they still need to collect more video footage and documents.
Build One South Africa leader Mmusi Maimane spoke out strongly about the case.
He said the country must release the national register of sex offenders so people know who is living near them.
He said there are more than 32,000 names on the register. He warned that these offenders are in schools, in communities and on the streets.
Maimane said it is deeply disturbing when someone seen as a moral leader is accused of harming a child.
He said no title or position should protect anyone from the law.
He asked churches and communities to take a firm stand against abuse. He said people must not stay silent or protect those who hurt others.
He urged people to create safe spaces for victims to report abuse and to work with the police.
The accused remains in jail. He will return to court on 20 May.
Pictured above: The accused.
Image source: Palesa Matlala
