The 18-year-old accused of raping a 3-year-old in Capricorn appeared in the Muizenberg Magistrates’ Court yesterday, where he abandoned his bail application.

He will remain in police custody until his next court appearance on 12 May.

The suspect was arrested earlier this month. While the exact details pertaining to the attack remain unknown, it is confirmed that the sexual assault took place in March this year. The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that not many details can be shared due to the sensitivity of the matter.

“The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation. This office cannot divulge any further details regarding the investigation.”

The director of Where Rainbows Meet, a non-profit organisation (NPO) based in Vrygrond, Mymoena Scholtz, says residents of Muizenberg are in uproar. She says the child was reportedly with the alleged perpetrator for several hours, during which the abuse is believed to have taken place.

While there are speculations that the child was kidnapped by the perpetrator, neither police nor community activists could confirm this.

Scholtz described the incident as deeply disturbing and says it has left the community shocked and traumatised.

“The perpetrators have more rights than the victims, as this comes across very strongly due to the justice system. It was extremely painful hearing what happened to this innocent child. He (the suspect) had her with him for five hours and still had the nerve to drop her off at home like nothing happened.”

The Muizenberg Community Police Forum (CPF) says the strong turnout by community members in support of the victim sends a clear message that crimes against children will not be tolerated.

Wayne Turner, CPF Media Liaison Officer, says more than 100 people were present at the court proceedings to support the family. He adds that the strong support from the community shows how united the community is against crimes of this nature.

“We commend the community for demonstrating lawful, peaceful, and united opposition to crimes against children. The CPF also acknowledges the efforts of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and all stakeholders involved in ensuring that justice processes continue without disruption. Crimes against children are among the most serious offences in our society.”