Mdantsane cop accused of raping teen granted bail

A Mdantsane police detective, who has been in jail since a 17year-old relative filed a rape complaint a month ago, was granted R1,000 bail on Friday.

The detective, who cannot be named to protect the identity of his accuser, has been in custody since January 30.

Mdantsane magistrate Luyanda Gobingca granted him bail with strict conditions to adhere to, including not coming closer than 500m from the home of the teen in NU9.

There was jubilation in the Mdantsane courtroom after Gobingca made his ruling, with some court orderlies seen hugging the detective, while others offered congratulations, saying they were pleased he was now a free man.

Gobingca said the interest of justice permitted that the detective be released on bail and there was no likelihood the detective would interfere with investigations or intimidate witnesses.

He described the police officer as an “intelligent” man and

There was no likelihood the detective would interfere or intimidate

said he did not buy the state’s argument that there would be a public outcry if the detective were released on bail.

“You can come to such a conclusion if there are people outside court picketing and calling for no bail.

“In some instances, one would expect a signed petition from such public, urging court not to grant bail. But in this instance, throughout this application, there has been no such indication.”

He said he had noted an overcrowded gallery, but he had no idea whether the people were there to support the officer or the teen.

Gobingca said there was no evidence that any violence had been used against the girl and the argument by the state that she had been handcuffed, could not be supported by the doctor who examined the teenager.

Gobingca ordered that the officer report to the Ipid investigator every Friday, and that he should refrain from any contact with the alleged victim, her grandmother and any other state witness in the matter.

The case was postponed to May 6.