Judge slams police handling of Verulam rape case
The presiding judge in the Verulam child rape trial has criticised the way police initially handled the case.
A 45-year-old man is on trial in the Durban High Court for allegedly repeatedly sexually abusing his young stepdaughter.
The man was arrested after the child - who was 11 at the time - confided in a neighbour.
One of the investigating officers testified on Monday.
Judge Mohini Moodley asked Warrant Officer Nervarge Lutchminarain why officers sent the child back to her neighbour's home after making a statement at the police station.
The girl had taken refuge there after apparently being sjambokked by her stepfather.
Judge Moodley said crucial evidence could have been lost as a result of officers not having immediately taken the child to a hospital.
She said there were also many other risks involved in sending the child home.
Lutchminarain told the court that officers had initially received a report of the child being assaulted - but later realised they were also dealing with a rape case.
State prosecutor, Cheryl Naidu intervened and explained that the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit was brought in as soon as this became apparent.
Naidu says a department hearing was held about the way the matter was handled.
