Pretoria - Magistrate Mali Mokoena has granted media houses permission to take images of the 20-year-old man accused of raping a 7-year-old at a Dros restaurant.
The bail proceedings had to be halted as Media24 brought an application for the court to allow publication of the proceedings.
State prosecutor Sanet Jacobson said they were not opposing the application as images and videos of the accused had already been circulating on social media.
His legal representative Riaan Du Plessis however tried to argue that they wanted the man to be afforded a fair trial and avoid a situation of "trial by the media".
Currently, the accused's life was in danger and the publication of this would further aggravate racial tensions.
The public outcry that erupted following the news of the incident at the Dros franchise in Silverton last Saturday has been overwhelming.
The court case was attended by executive mayor Solly Msimanga, ANCWL, Sasco, Social Development MEC Nandi Mayathula-Khoza and the regional ANC were there to show support.
The man is facing charges of rape, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, intimidation and possession of drugs.
After he preyed on his victim who was in the restaurant's play area. The man allegedly ordered water claiming he was waiting for a friend.
He then allegedly moved closer to the play area and stalked his victim.
He allegedly followed the girl when she went to the bathroom and subsequently raped her in one of the bathroom stalls.
Magistrate Mokoena said as the image had already circulated she would allow for pictures to be taken 15 minutes before court proceedings and 15 minutes after the court has adjourned.
Video recording, however, would not be allowed.
The courtroom erupted into applause following the order.
After a short adjournment, however, the man reappeared in court wearing a grey hoodie, which angered the packed courtroom.
Those present hurled insults at him instructing him to take off his jacket and that he had ruined the girl's life.
Once court resumed Du Plessis told the court of the man's Injuries which included an injury to his right earlobe and required him to receive four stitches after he was injured by bystanders with a broken bottle.
He also sustained cuts to his head starting at the forehead roughly 15cm front to back.
According to Du Plessis, his client had also endured mistreatment from the police at the Silverton police station.
Police personnel had ordered the man to do push-ups and even kicked him with boots.
He had also been hit with belts and hit with open hands.
The matter was postponed to November 1 for further investigations.
* IOL and Pretoria News will not name the suspect until he has pleaded to the charges against him.