Rape accused forced to wait for verdict
Advocate Ronewa Makhaga, representing the State, pointed out yesterday that there were no contradictions in the evidence given by the complainants.
“The complainants came from different towns, yet they all relayed the same sequence of events about how they were raped. The complainant in Mafikeng described a similar modus operandi as the complainant in Ritchie. The complainants did not know each other so they could not have been conspiring against the accused. In some instances, the complainants even pointed out the same scene, where the accused, armed with a knife, had walked with them,” said Makhaga.
He said although Julies denied ever having a weapon during the incidents, this was not true.
“Some of the complainants sustained knife injuries. It is also highly unlikely that the complainants would lay charges and subject themselves to such invasive medical examinations if they were all conspiring,” he said. Makhaga said all the complainants were reliable. “The 13-year-old complainant was very clear in her testimony. She did not contradict herself. It is very improbable that the accused, as he claims, let her go after realising she was a virgin. That is contradicted by the testimony of the other minor who told the court that the accused bragged about the fact that he took her virginity,” he said.
He said it also appeared that the accused had done research on his victims.
Background checks
“It would appear that the complainant did background checks on the complainants as he knew personal information about them. He knew the underage girl had an uncle and that one other underage victim took a taxi home after school,” Makhaga said.
He requested the court to find Julies guilty on all charges except one as the complainant has since died.
Julies’ attorney, Theo Fourie, argued that none of the complainants were injured during the alleged incidents.
“The complainants all testified that the accused was holding a knife when he was walking with them. However, the accused never stabbed them. Others said the accused was holding the knife to their neck but they had no injuries to show for that,” he said.
He said the complainants also had ample time to call for help.
“The complainants said they were walking with the accused. Some walked for long distances and passed other people, yet they never let anyone know that they were in any danger. Another complainant even said the accused gave her his name but she never mentioned it to the police when they took her statement,” said Fourie.
Judge President, Frans Kgomo, questioned why the accused had intercourse in secluded areas if he was in loving relationships with the complainants.
“Why did the the accused not offer that the women to go home with him ... why did he resort to having intercourse with them in the bushes? If everything was good between the parties, why did some of the women leave their personal belongings at the scene?” asked Kgomo.
Kgomo also indicated that it appeared the accused was on the run.
“There was testimony that after the incidents were committed the accused vanished. He never returned to any of the women. He told the one she was beautiful and took a picture but he was never seen by her again,” Kgomo said.
He added that he would take all evidence into account and make a decision on the matter later this month. Julies remains in custody.