The 47-year-old male arrested in connection with the murder of an 8-year-old boy who was found deceased in a bed during a sleepover at a friend’s home on 15 June 2023, is a convicted rapist.
Also read: Suspect arrested in murder case of 8-year-old found lifeless at sleepover
According to reports, Kraaifontein police were alerted to the incident just before midnight on 15 June 2023. Upon arrival at the scene, they found the lifeless body of a young boy. The victim was discovered by one of the adults, who woke up to use the bathroom and noticed the boy wasn’t breathing.
The suspect was arrested on 21 June 2023 and made his first appearance at the Blue Downs Court on 23 June 2023, where he stands accused of murder.
As reported by IOL, the State informed the court that the suspect has a prior conviction for rape, which occurred in 2005 and involved a female victim.
In response, the magistrate informed him of the option to seek legal aid or engage a private attorney. She addressed his statement by saying, ‘You would not have been standing here if it was not for the prima facie evidence linking you and you are welcome to speak to the investigating officer.’
The magistrate inquired about the sleeping arrangements, questioning the suspect with regard to the State’s assertion that the deceased, an 8-year-old, had slept alongside the accused in the bed while his own child slept in a separate bed.
In response, the suspect confirmed by stating, ‘Yes, he was sleeping next to me.’
According to the State, the deceased had nail marks on his neck.
The suspect pleaded with the court, expressing the urgency of his release from police custody due to the potential risk of losing his job if he failed to return. The State has opposed bail.
The accused is expected to appear in court on 28 June 2023 to allow for a formal bail application to be made.
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