A man accused of raping a seven-year-old girl at a Dros restaurant in Silverton will today start psychiatric evaluation at Weskoppies institution.
Nicolas Ninow (20) appeared briefly in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court where he was ordered to undergo evaluation for a period of 30 days at the Weskoppies psychiatric hospital.
Last year he was accused of “snatching” a seven-year-old girl into the men’s toilet and forcing himself on her.
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The psychiatric evaluation was ordered by a Pretoria magistrate during Ninow’s previous appearance where it was submitted that he had been suffering from bipolar disorder and had a drug abuse problem since the age of 14.
His lawyer Riaan du Plessis previously said that a report by a psychiatrist had shown that his client had suicidal tendencies and had tried to hurt himself and that Ninow had a history of mental illness in the family.
On Wednesday morning, magistrate Ignitius du Preez ruled that Ninow be kept in custody during the evaluation during which he would be assessed by three psychiatrists and a psychologist.
Civil rights organisation #NotInMyName accused Ninow of using his mental health as a way to evade the law.
WATCH:
The organisation’s secretary-general Themba Masango said Ninow was trying to prove insanity so as to avoid standing trial.
“This is a waste of taxpayers’ money,” Masango said.
“We all know Ninow is not crazy.”
The National Prosecuting Authority’s spokesperson Phindi Louw-Mjonondwane said there was no special treatment for Ninow but that this was a right he was entitled to.
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“The courts have heard similar applications before and have had to entertain them for the sake of justice,” she said.
“This is part of establishing the truth.”
#NotInMyName and other organisations such as the ANC women’s league and members of the public filled the court gallery, pledging solidarity with the girl’s family.
Outside court a heavy police presence could be seen, however there were no demonstrations as was the case on previous occasions when Ninow appeared.
Ninow is facing charges of rape, intimidation and possession of drugs.
He has not applied for bail and was expected back in court on 8 February when feedback from the observation would be given to the court.
*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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