On Monday, a well-known 48-year-old musician, accused of the sexual assault and rape of a now 21-year-old man, has been released on R1 000 bail.
The Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court reportedly granted eNCA and the African News Agency, the rights to film and take photographs inside the courthouse, but under strict conditions, including that the identity of the accused may not be made public.
However, the attorney representing the accused objected to these requests on the basis that the accused has not yet pleaded and therefore cannot be named.
The musician, who has been accused of sexually assaulting and raping the 21-year-old victim since the age of 14 up until 2019, was arrested on Friday evening, 24 July, and spent the weekend in custody.
The accused allegedly lives near the victim in Kuilsriver and would often give the victim a ride to his music school were the victim was a student.
The accused who wore a grey and white hoodie, jeans and mask in court on Monday, instructed his lawyer to read out a statement informing the magistrate of his financial standing.
In the statement, he said that he was a director at a music institute and earned R17 000 per month. This amount reportedly covers his expenses which include a bond, a car instalment and school fees. He also stated that he could only afford bail to the amount of R1 000.
As part of his bail conditions, he is not allowed to be in the Kuilsriver area or have contact with any of the witnesses. The matter has been postponed until 30 October.
