Cape Town – The man accused of murdering 5-year-old Minentle Lekhatha has appeared in the Strand Magistrate’s Court.
Xolani Lantu, 35, made a brief appearance before the case was postponed to August 3.
Lantu, who was also charged with kidnapping and rape, sat in the dock with his faced covered by the raincoat he was wearing. He kept his head down throughout his appearance.
Supporters of the family filled court A staring at the accused. Others outside held placards that read “enough is enough”.
There was also large police presence in and outside the courtroom.
The family of the murdered girl looked shocked, with some members sobbing throughout the proceedings. The residents handed over a petition to the magistrate, opposing bail.
When Lantu left the court, community members outside shouted: “He must get the death sentence, he is an animal.”
Minentle’s grandmother was rushed to the hospital after she collapsed.
Nomzamo residents sang hymns and Struggle songs on the bridge under which Minentle's body was found. Video: Okuhle Hlati
The community of Nomzamo later marched from the court to Broadway Soek Street where the body of the young girl was found under a bridge on Sunday.
Emotions ran high as hymns and freedom songs were sung.
The area’s ward councillor, Sithembile Mfecane, said: “We will continue to support the family and each other no matter what, because we are trying to prevent the incident from happening again. The brutal rape and killing of Minentle touches the hearts of everyone, and made us alert. The family is asking to be given space to grieve.”
Chairperson of Ward 86 Xolani Diniso said they marched to oppose bail.