Mbombela - Three men linked to different rape cases have been waiting at Weskoppies psychiatric hospital for between two and four years for their trials to begin.
One of them, Majawonke Michael Mlaudzi, 21, told the Nelspruit Regional Court on Wednesday he did not want to return to the hospital for observation, a Sapa correspondent reported.
Mlaudzi, 21, who has pleaded not guilty to raping a 22-year-old woman in Schoemansdal, has been in custody since his arrest more than four years ago on February 2, 2010.
He told the court he was not mad and either wanted to be sentenced or be set free.
“Who said I must go to Weskoppies? Because I am not insane or ill. It seems like there is no truth here because everyday when I come, you are telling me about Weskoppies. Why is the case not continuing?” asked Mlaudzi.
Magistrate Willie Wilkens said the prosecutor would do her best to ensure that Mlaudzi was examined so that the case could be finalised as soon as possible.
The matter was postponed to June 5.
Another rape accused, aged 47, was not asked to plead in connection with raping a ten-year-old girl in Pienaar near Nelspruit, and was also told to return to Weskoppies until his case resumes on June 5.
He was arrested on March 28, 2012.
In yet another case, a 43-year-old rape-accused, who has not yet pleaded to a charge of raping a six-year-old girl in Barberton, was also told that his trial would only resume on June 5.
He was arrested on January 1, 2012.
Sapa