Mother identifies daughter’s ‘rapist’
The mother of a 15-year-old girl who was allegedly raped by four suspects on the night of 9 February 2017, testified at the Thembalethu Magistrate’s Court, George in the past week.
Her testimony on Wednesday 4 April was also in camera, as was her daughter’s in previous appearances, meaning the public was not allowed to be present.
She was one of the first people to arrive at the house where her daughter was locked inside and had to kick open the door to get to her. One of the suspects, who was still inside the house, ran off as soon as he saw her.
The mother revealed to Knysna-Plett Herald that she was asked during her testimony to identify the boy who ran off, which she did.
The four suspects were all minors when they were arrested on 10 February, after they allegedly lured the girl into a house and repeatedly raped her, but three of the boys have since turned 18.
The suspects also appeared briefly last week and the matter was referred back to Knysna Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday 10 April, when one more witness, the victim’s friend, took the stand.
The friend was with the victim’s mother when she was found and she also testified on what she saw on the day.
During a court appearance on 21 February, all four abandoned bail. They later did apply for bail, but it was denied. The boys remain in custody.
Members of the ANC Women’s League who have been following the case since its inception were there to support the girl and her family.