Johannesburg - Chaos erupted outside the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate's Court ahead of the appearance of a 45-year-old man accused of raping his family's domestic worker before making her perform sexual acts on his dogs.
The ANC Women's League, DA Women Network and the EFF demonstrated their support for the woman, who attended court proceedings with her face hidden behind an ANC sheet.
Scores of angry protesters spilled rubbish from bins and protested across the streets.
The accused instructed his lawyer Ehleketani Maluleke to abandon his bail application as he no longer felt comfortable.
Two explosions said to be grenades were heard from outside the court as the gates were already locked after security wanted to control the crowd and avoid a stampede.
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Numerous policing authorities were deployed to maintain the peace and ensure the safety of all people.
Members of the EFF who viewed the alleged crime as race-related burned the old South African flag outside the court.
Video: James Mahlokwane/Pretoria News
The suspect faces 10 counts that include rape, sexual assault and kidnapping after he allegedly held the woman against her will on October 23 and allegedly raped her numerous times.
Tshwane SPCA told Pretoria News that they have since confiscated two dogs from the accused's home. The family is said to have a total of nine dogs.
State prosecutor Tiisetso Leballo requested that the case be postponed to February 5 as the State was still waiting for DNA results.
Magistrate Ignatius du Preez told the accused he faces life in prison should he be found guilty of the charges against him.
Du Preez adjourned by thanking the crowd for conducting themselves peacefully within the walls of the courtroom.