Drawn out bail application of man (29) accused of raping a minor close to conclusion

BOKSBURG - The protracted bail application by a 29-year-old man accused of raping a minor is close to finality.

This comes as both the State and defence prepare to deliver their closing arguments before the Boksburg Magistrates Court.  

The Ugandan national faces two counts of rape after he allegedly raped the minor in December 2019 and in December last year.

The Grade 6 learner fell pregnant allegedly from last year’s incident.

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However, the accused, who is also the victim’s family friend, has denied this.

The hearing of closing arguments is the final step before the magistrate considers the submissions of the state and the defence before handing down his judgment.

The 29-year-old man is accused of a schedule six offence, which requires him to show the court that exceptional circumstances exist for his release on bail.

The court will assess, among others, whether the Ugandan national is a flight risk, has a past criminal record or whether there’s a risk that the accused may reoffend or interfere with evidence.

The defence will attempt to discredit the witness presented during proceedings and argue that it is in the interests of justice that the man be released.

The proceedings are expected to commence shortly before the accused is transported back to the Boksburg prison.