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THE KwaZulu-Natal Department of Community Safety and Liaison, led by MEC Willies Mchunu, has expressed disappointment over the Howick Magistrates Court’s decision to grant a suspect, COMMUNITY SAFETY AND LIAISON DISAPPOINTED BY BAIL DECISIONwho is accused of raping two young girls, R2000 bail today.

The suspect, who cannot be named until he pleads, appeared in court today after he was arrested and charged for allegedly raping the two young girls in Mpophomeni, Howick, who are in grade 2 at Sibongo Primary School.

It is alleged that he would call them into his house, whilst they were on their way to school, and then rape them.  Today, the community, including members of the Provincial Youth Desk, ANC Women’s League, ANC Youth League, SA Communist Party, supported by the Department of Community Safety and Liaison (DCSL) held placards and picketed peacefully outside the court, opposing bail for the suspect.

However, after a brief appearance, the Magistrate granted the suspect bail of R2000 – a decision that was met with anger and tears in the full packed court room.
After the proceedings, emotions ran high and the community attacked and heckled their ward councillor, saying he had not been supportive.
The Senior Manager of uMgungundlovu and Harry Gwala districts in the DCSL, Sabelo Kunene, calmed the community and reacted with disappointment outside court today.

“We are disappointed by the court’s decision but the accused is still a suspect,” said Kunene, adding rapists should face the full might of the law.
“As a Department, we are disappointed that the community came out in such huge numbers, backed up by the Department and Government to picket and oppose bail. Rape cases that involve little children are concerning to us, as Government.”
Kunene said he understood the communities’ frustration considering the seriousness of the allegations but appealed to the community to observe calm and restraint and allow the police to continue their investigation.

MEC Mchunu, who also expressed disappointment at today’s decision, has again called on the people of KwaZulu-Natal, to heed to the pronouncement made by him for communities to organise themselves and oppose bail for rape suspects.

“We need to register our strong protest and anger at these by demanding that rape suspects should not be given bail,” said Mchunu.

Issued by KZN Department of Transport, Community Safety and Liaison