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During the bail hearing of the 47-year-old man accused of raping and murdering eight-year-old Daniël Jamneck, it was revealed that the accused, who is the father of Daniël’s friend, had fled from a diversion programme that was assigned to him following a rape case in 2005.
Also read: Bail denied for sleepover rape and murder suspect
The incident occurred during a sleepover at the accused’s residence in Kraaifontein on 15 June 2023, where he lived with his son. The hearing took place in the Blue Downs Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 3 July 2023.
In 2005, the accused faced rape allegations but managed to avoid prosecution by being enrolled in a three-year diversion programme designed for handling sexual offences, but only attended the programme for three months.
According to Times Live, the court mandated the accused to participate in a programme following consultation with the complainant, who claimed to have been drugged at a house party.
During the bail hearing, prosecutor Rudolph Olivier argued against the man’s release and disclosed that he had fled the programme after only three months. Olivier emphasised the significance of the previous case and mentioned that the doctor overseeing the programme stated that the accused had prematurely discontinued his participation.
Olivier said, ‘The accused was offered an opportunity for rehabilitation (but he did not complete it).’
Olivier stated that the prosecution had amassed a considerable volume of evidence through various statements.
‘All the people who came to the scene found the deceased in the bed of the accused.’
‘The state has a strong case, though it is circumstantial,’ he said.
Initially, the accused faced charges of murder, but the state later included rape, sexual assault and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The decision to add the additional charges was made after a forensic pathologist discovered injuries on Daniël’s private parts. Describing the nature of the injuries, Olivier remarked that they could only be characterised as barbaric.
The case was adjourned to August 14 to allow for additional investigation to take place.
Also read:
Authorities failed children in sleepover murder, say activists
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