Residents angry as alleged rapist is released

Residents in Reiger Park, Johannesburg, are angry and scared after a 34-year-old man accused of raping a two-year-old girl was released from custody on Monday, according to a community leader.

The child was allegedly sexually assaulted last Tuesday when her mother, who was at work, left her in the care of a man known to them.

The toddler reportedly started behaving strangely on Tuesday night and was taken to a hospital.

There it was discovered that she had been raped.

The man was arrested on Friday and was expected to appear in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

But National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the matter was not put on the roll and the docket was sent back for further investigation.

Once the investigations have taken place, the docket will be sent back to the NPA for a decision on whether to prosecute the man.

Community spokesperson Chetwick Wagner said the Reiger Park community felt they were unsafe after the man was released. “If he can do it to one child, he can do it to other children.

“Many women are fearing for their lives and the lives of their kids.”

Wagner said the community was angry because the matter was not put on the court roll. “The community feel like they are being failed by the justice system.

“The community forum and various other organisations are going to have a meeting with the local councillor to seek answers as to why so many cases aren’t placed on the roll at the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court.”

– News24 Wire