Chaos broke out in Heinz Park yesterday as one of the men accused of attacking slain teen Janika Mello was released as the charges against him are set to be withdrawn.
Angry moms marched to the home of Allester Abrams where they demanded he leave their community, saying “rapists were not welcome”.
Abrams has been in custody since the 14-year-old girl was found dead in the backyard of her ouma’s house on 1 September 2019.
Janika, who was a Grade 6 pupil at Northwood Primary School in Woodlands, went to a karaoke at Portlands High School to support a local soccer club the night before.
The teen was dropped off by a taxi close to her home and her half-naked body was found the following morning.
Used condoms were found around her and the left side of her face was smashed in with a concrete block.
According to the indictment, Abrams – along with Leeroy Rose – were the two last people seen with Janika and Abrams was seen by witnesses allegedly assaulting the meisie.
While Rose is charged with two counts of rape and the murder of Janika, Abrams is only charged with assault.
Janika’s ouma, Pauline Butler, 56, says the family was preparing to attend the trial, which was due to start at the Western Cape High Court on Monday, but were told the matter was set to be postponed.
“The afternoon (Monday), he came walking past our house and we realised he was out,” the upset woman says.
“We got such a skrik because he was smiling and all happy.
“We are very angry because nobody told us he was coming out or why he was released.
“It has been hard on us as a family and we believe the justice system has failed us.”
ANGRY: Janika’s ma Pauline Buttler and mother Janine. Video: Monique Duval
Shortly after 11am yesterday, the angry crowd marched to Abrams’ home, where his ouma said that he was not at home.
They accused her of lying and covering up for him and shouted: “Kom uit! Is verkeerd van julle groot mense wat julle kinders soe bystaan.”
Standing with posters, the community called for Abrams to leave Heinz Park.
UPROAR: Heinz Park residents marched in numbers to Abrams’ home.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirmed that Abrams was released.
He said the charges against Rose have not been withdrawn but confirmed that he wanted to enter into a plea and sentencing agreement and that Janika’s family has been informed of this.
“His co-accused [Abrams] was released as he is not implicated on the murder charge,” he says.
“There was no good reason to keep him in custody and he was released on a warning.
“Charges will be withdrawn against him at the next court appearance.
“The matter will be back in court on 29 September.”