Strandfontein student's bail amendment granted in sexual assault case

A Strandfontein student facing a charge of sexual assault of one of his fellow church congregants, has had his bail conditions amended in order to move back home.

The young man made an appearance at the Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday,  where the court heard he wished to have his bail conditions amended.

The man, who was neatly dressed in a shirt, stepped into the dock where he was represented by a private attorney - who informed the court that he was keen to move from Rocklands in Mitchells Plain to his home in Strandfontein.

The court later heard, this was actually in Bay View.

The state said it would not oppose the request but stated that the victim was traumatised and was receiving counselling.

The state said in line with this request, the accused is not to walk around in the Strandfontein community and must refrain from attending the same church as the victim.

This was indicated as the accused and the victim attended the same church and were congregation members.

With the assistance of his lawyer, the accused said he did not object to the request to attend a new church.

"My client will find another church out of the area,” the attorney remarked.

He said while he understood the request not to walk around the area, his client needed to buy his essential goods and would make sure not to "run into" the victim and would drive around for this purpose.

The matter was postponed to December. 

A female which had been supporting the man inside court, burst into tears with relief when she heard the news.

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

Cape Argus