UPDATE: Dros rape accused fit to stand trial
The findings come after a 30 day evaluation at Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital.
Rape accused Nicolas Ninow was found fit to stand trial after a psychiatric evaluation during an appearance at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Friday morning.
Ninow’s 30-day evaluation took place at the Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital in the west of Pretoria.
The 20-year-old’s referral to the psychiatric hospital came after it was submitted to the court he suffered from bipolar disorder and drug abuse from the age of 14.
It was his sixth court appearance.
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Ninow is accused of raping a seven-year-old girl in the men’s bathroom of the Dros restaurant in Silverton, east of Pretoria.
It is understood he followed the girl to the female bathroom where he proceeded to snatch then lead her to the men’s bathroom where the rape was believed to have taken place.
He faces charges of rape, intimidation and possession of drugs.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Louw told the media the state would now prepare for trial, with the aim of securing a successful conviction.
Ninow’s next court appearance was set for 5 March 2019 for high court indictment.
Asked why the trial would take place in the high court, Louw said: “The decision remains with the director of public prosecutions in North Gauteng”.
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Ninow will remain in police custody.
*Though the law prohibits identifying someone accused of a sexual offence before this individual has pleaded to the charge, Caxton made an editorial decision to name Ninow following the circumstances around his previous appearance on 2 October 2018.
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