Cape Town – The man accused of kidnapping, raping and murdering 11-year-old Stacha Arends has abandoned his bail application.
There were scenes of victory at the Mitchells Plain Magistrate's Court on Wednesday when Randy Tango, 31, suddenly decided to drop his bid for freedom.
Sources say the pressure and outcry from the community has made Tango change his mind.
The case was postponed to 14 July when Tango is expected to appear via Audio Visual Remand from Pollsmoor Prison.
Outside court people rejoiced, saying they won’t stop protesting “until justice was served for Stacha”.
“Ons is nie moeg nie, want hy was nie moeg nie,” they chanted. (We are not tired because he was not tired.)
Protesters outside court where Randy Tango appeared for a bail application in Mitchells Plain. Picture: Jack Lestrade/ANA Pictures
They hurled abuse at Tango as he was whisked away to Pollsmoor Prison.
Last week, Joanie Fredericks of the Mitchells Plain Crisis Forum, urged detectives to look for more suspects for Stacha’s murder, as the community was convinced Tango didn’t act alone.
On Wednesday, Stacha’s biological father, Stanley Godfrey, urged police to search for more suspects: “We want to know where the other people are. They need to be caught, he didn’t do this alone. And we are still waiting on the DNA [results].”
Stacha’s stepfather, Shannon Markgraf, consoled her crying mom, Sandy Markgraf.
Roegshanda Pascoe and Sandy Markgraf outside court where Randy Tango appeared for a bail application in Mitchells Plain. Picture: Jack Lestrade/ANA Pictures
“We thank the community for their support. We really appreciate their presence here,” said Shannon.
Stacha disappeared on 27 March while watching movies at a friend’s home in Matroosberg Street, Tafelsig.
The next day, her naked and battered body was found dumped on a soccer field at Swartklip Road, Tafelsig.
Blood stained clothing had also been removed from a house in Matroosberg Street.
Tango was released on parole in October after being jailed for car theft.
Father of Stacha Arends, Stanley Godfrey urged police to search for more suspects. Picture: Jack Lestrade/ANA Pictures
His mother previously revealed that he had once been accused of statutory rape of a 16-year-old girl but that the case was withdrawn.
Roegshanda Pascoe, of the Manenberg Safety Forum, called for harsher prison sentences for crimes involving women and children.
“There is no space for [Tango] on the outside, there is no space for any rapist or killer of our children,” said Pascoe.
“We, as communities, are saying enough is enough. The courts must serve the people and the rights of these innocent children."
“These prisoners are living on our tax money inside prison.They are still having the luxury of life; the system must change."
“Are we taking them on a hotel vacation, or are they paying for their deeds?”