Defence in case of man accused of raping, impregnating minor tries discrediting investigating officer

JOHANNESBURG - The defence lawyer in the case of a man accused of raping and impregnating an 11-year-old girl has attempted to discredit the investigating officer in the case.

Frik van Rensburg probed Warrant Officer Simon Modise on the investigation after the suspect was arrested on 22 April.

The 29-year-old is accused of raping the minor in December, who was in grade five at the time.

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A statement was taken from the minor, who is now pregnant, on the same day of the suspect's arrest with only the mother present, something van Rensburg questioned Modise about.

The man continued his fight for bail before the Boksburg Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Van Rensburg questioned Modise on the child’s initial denial that she’d had sex when her mother noticed her changing body.

But Modise defended this, saying the child didn’t lie, highlighting the fear children often feel before making the alleged offence known.

“Every child, when such things happen to them, they are in a situation whereby they don't know what to say, what to tell their parents, because it's shameful for a child of 11 years to say, ‘I did have sex’, so it's normal for a child of that age, firstly, not to say anything, up until they are encouraged to say something.”

But Van Rensburg hit back: “Is that your opinion?”

“I know so, because I'm dealing with a...” Modise tried responding.

Van Rensburg asked, “I ask is it your opinion - yes or no? Are you qualified to give such opinions in court, sir?”

“No,” Modise responded.

Van Rensburg dismissed this as mere speculation.