Child rape accused's trial postponed

THE trial of a man from Windvogel, Port Elizabeth, accused of abducting and raping a five-year-old girl last year, was yesterday postponed in the Port Elizabeth High Court.

The 36-year-old was convicted on another charge of rape early last year but successfully applied to the Grahamstown High Court for that conviction to be set aside.

He cannot be identified until he has pleaded in the latest matter.

According to an affidavit read out by his legal representative earlier this year during his bail application, the man said he intended to plead not guilty to both charges.

The state alleges he abducted the girl while she was playing in the street and took her to an open field where she was raped. He then allegedly fled the scene when approached by eyewitnesses. Residents went to his house and police were called to disperse the crowd.

The matter was yesterday set down for trial between December 1 and 12. The accused will remain in custody until his next appearance. – Lee-Anne Butler