ROODEPOORT - Anti-gender-based violence activists have welcomed the decision by a 58-year-old Dobsonville man accused of raping a 12-year-old girl to abandon his bail application.
The man made a brief appearance in the Roodepoort magistrate’s court on Wednesday, where his legal representative confirmed they would not proceed with a bail bid for now.
Activists say the decision is a step in the right direction, even if temporary.
READ: Rape accused Dobsonville church leader abandons bail bid
Outside court, demonstrators gathered in numbers, as they made it clear they believed the accused should remain behind bars.
Botlhale Modisane, a representative from the Tshegofatso Pule Foundation, said they were pleased with the development, adding that they had been calling for the accused to withdraw his bail bid altogether.
"I think this just goes to show that he is afraid for his life, possibly," she said.
READ: Outrage over 'secondary victimisation' in Dobsonville rape case
Community members who gathered outside the court say they feel a sense of relief following the bail decision.
The girl’s grandfather told eNCA that the family was shocked by the accused’s behaviour in court, claiming he showed no remorse. He added that it may be better for all involved that bail was not pursued, given the community’s anger.
The young victim and her mother have been relocated to another province amid fears for their security.
The case has been postponed to 20 May for further investigation.