The man accused of raping and murdering Amantle Samane (6) from Orlando East, Soweto, shocked the entire court gallery when he brought an application for bail.The accused, who was arrested on Wednesday evening, made his first appearance at the Protea Magistrate's Court, where the Police Minister Senzo Mchunu was in attendance and the Gauteng Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni.
Looking very unkept the accused with dreadlocks and a side cut wore a black faded T-shirt with black torn jeans and multi coloured dirty sneakers.
HE HAS A NERVE
Speaking outside court, Mchunu expressed anger and disbelief over the fact that the accused intends to apply for bail. He described the incident as major and devastating hence he wants to see the case through.
"He takes the child while playing, rapes the child which on its own is so savage and thirdly murders the child. I am angry, I even struggled to look at that fellow because when you look at him you are overcome by emotion. In my own mind, I imagined what I would have done if it were my own child that was killed. He even has a nerve to apply for bail while he doesn't have any papers to be here in South Africa. He is supposed to be in Mozambique."
He thanked the people of Orlando who couldn't sleep and were anxious, wanting to make sure that the the accused is apprehended.
"We are thankful to the people of Orlando for being hands on. We are also appreciate the fact that they are beginning to understand that the issue of criminals amongst us does not just lie with the police but it's a collective effort."
WE ARE FOR THE PEOPLE
Mchunu said at this point he is on the side of the family and the community that worked hand in hand with the police tracing the suspect.
"We are also here to represent all other South Africans. This is terrible and it is bad. I'm still trying to get my head around him applying for bail, I don't think he understands what that is. He just hears people talking about bail. Of course, on paper he has those rights and procedurally but we are here hoping the people say that he doesn't. What he did was terrible and I have no words to describe it." The NPA's Phindi Mjonondwane said they are ready to proceed and the accused faces a schedule six offence.
"The accused has made clear his intentions to apply for bail so now the onus is on him to convince the court that there are exceptional circumstances that exist that permits his release on bail. As the state we oppose such an application," said Mjonondwane. The matter has been postponed to 1 November fora formal bail application.
