Man accused of raping girl (12) in Soweto abandons bail bid

A 58-year-old man accused of raping a 12-year-old girl in Soweto has abandoned his bail application.

Tshepo Ntsimane is accused of luring the young girl from her Dobsonville home to his house before sexually assaulting the minor.

On Wednesday, the church leader and politician appeared for a second time before the Roodepoort Magistrates Court, facing a charge of rape and kidnapping.

ALSO READ:

Social Development Minister condemns rape of 12-year-old in Dobsonville

ANC in Gauteng in process of removing membership of pastor accused of raping girl

ANC Johannesburg demands public sex offender register following Soweto rape case

Ntsimane entered the courtroom with a smile, visibly confident and stoic.

Following a brief court appearance, his defence indicated that he would no longer seek his release on bail.

The State welcomed the submission, petitioning the court to postpone the matter to allow for further investigations, gathering of outstanding video evidence and documents.

The accused remains in custody, with the matter set down for 20 May.