Pretoria - There were angry scenes outside the Pretoria Magistrate's Court when a 20-year-old man appeared for the rape of a 7-year-old girl at Dros in Silverton. He is facing charges of rape, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, intimidation and possession of drugs.
For the past week, social media has been abuzz with people sharing their outrage at the crime and on Tuesday a large group of protesters gathered outside the courthouse demanding that the suspect be denied bail.
Magistrate Mali Mokoena granted media houses permission to take images of the suspect after an application by Media24 for permission to publicise the proceedings. The state did not oppose the application as images and videos of the accused had already been circulating on social media.
The man kept his face shielded during the brief court appearance, denying media an opportunity to get a clear view of his face.
Tshwane executive mayor Solly Msimanga, Social Development MEC Nandi Mayathula-Khoza, members of the ANC Women's League and Sasco and the ANC in the region were there to show support.
The case was postponed and the suspect has been remanded in custody until his next court appearance on November 1.
* IOL will not name the suspect until he has pleaded to the charges against him.