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A man who is alleged to have repeatedly raped his stepdaughter and who was released from custody in June on a technicality, has been re-charged and was back in court on Monday.
The 13-year-old girl was allegedly raped by her stepfather over several years, and fell pregnant with his child.
The girl, who was allegedly raped from around the age of nine, gave premature birth to a stillborn baby late last year.
Despite DNA evidence in the docket, which allegedly links the accused man to the teen’s rape, he walked free after a regional court withdrew the charges against him.
He cannot be named as he has yet to plead, and also to protect the identity of his victim.
He had appeared in the Pietermaritzburg Regional Court. It was established that the charges were withdrawn because certain documents in the docket were outstanding.
Also, in contravention of procedure, the case was transferred to the regional court before the inquiry was finalised.
However, according to court sources, all the required documentation now forms part of the court docket, and investigations have been completed.
A summons was issued for the accused man, who has since moved to Cape Town, and he appeared in court yesterday on a charge of rape.
The matter was adjourned to September 17 and the accused was released on warning. The victim is under the care of a psychologist.
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