Bail ruling for Verulam rape accused tomorrow
A Verulam man accused of repeatedly raping his 10-year-old stepdaughter, will know tomorrow whether or not his bail bid has been successful.
Closing arguments wrapped up today in the Verulam Magistrate's Court.
The accused’s attorney, Mondli Mthethwa told the court his client won’t evade his trial nor will he interfere with any witnesses.
He says the accused is presumed innocent until proven otherwise and that the court must consider the fact that at trial, the State will rely on the evidence of a single, child witness whose testimony will be treated with caution.
But State advocate San Bhartu says not only does the State oppose the application: It submits that the accused has failed to establish the necessary exceptional circumstances.
The rape of a minor is a schedule six offense, and as a result, in this case, the onus is on the accused to show the existence of exceptional circumstances which warrant his release in the interest of justice.