JOHANNESBURG - Dobsonville rape-accused Tshepo Nzimande has abandoned his bail bid.
The 58-year-old appeared on Wednesday at the Roodepoort Magistrate Court. Protesters gathered outside of the court demanding that he be denied bail.
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Nzimande is accused of raping a 12-year-old girl during the Easter weekend. Public outrage was sparked after a video of the violent incident went viral.
Electricity issues in the area since last year lured many children to Nzimande's house. A clergyman and local politician, he gained the trust of his community.
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A neighbour who responded to the little girl's screams said it was not odd for neighbourhood children to spend long hours at his house as he had WI-FI.
A video of the aftermath of the sexual assault went viral and he was arrested.
The African National Congress, where he is a member, has distanced itself from Nzimande.
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A representative speaking on behalf of the family says they are happy Nzimande has abandoned his bail application.
Speaking on the the basis of anonymity, the representative says that they are confident that justice will be done.
READ: ANC distances itself from man accused of raping 12-year-old in Dobsonville
"We understand that he is a priest, we are curious to know what got over him," said the representative.
The matter has been postponed until 20 May for further investigation.