A local pastor arrested in connection with the rape of a 14-year-old girl couldn't attend his bail hearing after allegedly falling ill on the day of his court appearance.
A local pastor arrested in connection with the rape of a 14-year-old girl couldn't attend his bail hearing after allegedly falling ill on the day of his court appearance.
Residents and members of the ANC Women's League and other rights groups packed the court room on Monday 30 September.
The pastor's attorney sent a representative to court.
State prosecutor Lungile Msutu said the church leader was diabetic and had fallen ill. Msutu told the court he received a letter from Waainek prison informing him that the pastor was so sick that he was struggling to walk, and needed to be transferred to hospital.
The bail application hearing had already been postponed once before because the pastor's lawyer could not be in court the previous Monday.
The pastor, a former convict, was due to complete his parole next year, according to a reliable source.
Police spokesperson Captain Mali Govender confirmed that the man was arrested on Friday 13 September. "He faces charges of rape," she said.
The case was postponed to Monday 7 October for a formal bail application. The pastor remains in custody. The ANC Women's League has planned a march to coincide with Monday's bail application.
