Durban — A 22-year-old KwaDabeka man charged with the alleged rape and kidnapping of a 16-year-old has found refuge in one of the Nazareth churches in Durban following the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court releasing him on bail.
The man, whose matter had been adjourned from October 20 for his formal bail application, was granted R2 000 bail on Tuesday when he appeared in court before Magistrate Wendolyn Robinson.
On the last occasion when he appeared, he was supposed to apply for bail, however, the case was adjourned for the State to verify another alternative address as the people residing at the initially provided address did not want him there.
It had previously emerged in court that his address belonged to the man’s uncle in KwaMashu and on arrival at the said address for verification, the investigating officer was told by residents that they were not willing to take the accused.
The man is alleged to have raped the 16-year-old in July this year. He is also accused of assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm where it is alleged that he threatened the teenager with a screwdriver and slapped and hit her with a broomstick and pipe all over her body.
It’s alleged that he locked the teenager in his room until it was morning, refusing to let her go.
Following the address being verified by the State, the man was granted bail on Tuesday.
The matter was adjourned to December 1.
Daily News