Icon’s grandson: No pics allowed

Media have been ordered not to take photos in the matter of a struggle icon's grandson's appearance on rape charges.

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Johannesburg - A stern message was issued on Friday morning to the media in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court not to take photos inside or outside the court in the matter of a struggle icon’s grandson’s appearance on charges of rape.

Magistrate Paul du Plessis reminded the media that these are preliminary investigations and ordered that no pictures be taken inside or outside the court for the purpose of identifying the parties.

The magistrate made the order after the family complained.

He said the order was made in terms of Sexual Offences and Related Matters Act 32 of 2007 which prohibits the identification of an accused person before he pleads on charges against him.

The accused made a brief appearance and seemed composed.

After this, prosecutor Komos Mbhele told the magistrate the accused was facing a Schedule 6 offence which means the onus is on him to show exceptional circumstances which would allow him to be released on bail.

 

However, Du Plessis warned the accused whatever evidence he presents in the application on Friday might be adversely used against him during his trial.

The accused said he wished to proceed and this was confirmed by his advocate Nico Swart.

At the time The Star went to press, the matter was set down until 11.20am to allow the defence to provide court with a supplementary affidavit.

The mood in Courtroom 13 was calm with members of a prominent family looking concerned.

One female member sat with her head forward, tight-lipped. She did not make eye contact with those sitting in the gallery around her.

The name of the accused is being withheld in compliance with the Sexual Offences and Related Matters Act of 2007.

The alleged victim is a 15-year-old minor, while the accused is 24.

At the time of the incident earlier this month, police said the complainant had told them the incident had taken place on August 7 at a Greenside restaurant.

 

The police report claims the victim said that the alleged rape took place in a toilet cubicle.

If the accused claims the sex was consensual, he is also likely to be prosecuted on an alternative count of statutory rape. In terms of the Sexual Offences Act, sex with a child under the age of 16 is a criminal act.

The accused was refused bail on Tuesday and has been held at Johannesburg Prison.

The Star