Man accused of raping domestic worker denied bail

Pretoria – There were shouts of jubilation from a packed public gallery as a 45-year-old man, who allegedly raped his domestic worker and forced her to perform sexual acts with his dogs, was denied bail in the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate's Court on Thursday.

People in the gallery held up placards as Magistrate David Shikwambane dismissed the accused's bail application. The suspect cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim.

Shikwambane said that the accused was unsuccessful in proving that it was in the interest of justice for him to be released on bail.

He added that the peace and security of the public would be undermined if he was released.

During closing arguments, the accused's lawyer, Ehleketani Maluleke questioned the sincerity of the outcry from those present in court as, he said, they were wearing regalia linked to political parties and were likely just there to canvass votes as the general elections were around the corner.

"They know the media is here, so they are wearing their political shirts canvassing for votes," said Maluleke.

A community coming together

She added that the State had a weak case and that the victim could be hiding something as she did not tell police that she was in a relationship with the accused.

Prosecutor Solly Leballo rubbished the defence's arguments, saying those present were community members who attended court proceedings because of their interest in the allegations that make up the case and who were there to see justice done.

In his judgment, Shikwambane said there was an element of public interest and noted that the gallery was always full, no matter the weather.

He said he didn't see political affiliations but rather, a community coming together.

Previously the court heard that the accused's DNA had been found in the victim's vagina and that the victim's genitals were bruised and she had an open wound on her right thigh.

Standing in for the investigating officer, Captain Shane Van Rooyen said police were still awaiting the dogs' DNA test results.

Victim helped to escape by accused's father

The court heard that the victim was an employee of the accused's parents and that, during the day on October 23, 2017, the accused had refused to allow the victim to leave the premises and had "kept her in his room where he raped her at different times".

"The victim says she was raped five times," said Van Rooyen