VANDERBIJLPARK – Vanderbijlpark magistrate’s court is expected to today, June 30, decide the fate of the 48-year-old rape accused during his bail judgment.
Moremi Christopher Happy Rafutho who has been in custody for almost five months now, returned to court on Thursday, June 29 for closing remarks during his bail application by his Attorney and the State Prosecutor.
Rafutho caused a stir in January when the news of a serial rapist targeting his victims at Vanderbijlpark cemetery came to light. A couple of weeks later, the man was arrested on various charges including rape, intimidation, house robberies, and the pointing of a firearm.
His arrest came after his latest ordeal in which he allegedly raped a minor in Sharpeville on Monday. At the time, police spokesperson Captain Fikile Funda said “a 13-year-old was on her way home from a tuck shop at about 18:00, when the suspect attacked, threatened her with a knife, raped her, and then fled the scene. The child went home and reported the matter after the incident. The police were called and a manhunt was conducted after which the 48-year-old suspect was arrested.”
Following his arrest, four graveyard victims were called in and were able to positively identify the suspect.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster after Rafutho’s brief appearance on Thursday, one of the victims who cannot be named said they expect justice to prevail. “We have been coming to court since his first appearance and so far, the justice system seems to be on our side. The man has since been behind bars, which makes us (as his victims) have faith that he will be sent away for good.”
“I hope the man doesn’t get bail because his freedom will mean fear for many of us and the public at large. I didn’t sleep last night (Wednesday) thinking about the man getting bail,” she said.
Lebohang More a resident in Sharpeville who formed part of the scores of people who gathered for the judgment said they live in fear knowing that Rafutho might go scot-free.
“As the residents, we hope that this ruthless guy is denied bail. If he gets bail, that means the people (residents) are no longer safe. He may even kill himself and leave his victims without getting the justice they deserve. We wish he is denied bail so that the trial continues and his victims get justice,” she said.
In previous Rafutho’s appearance, several gender-based organizations protested outside the courtyard, singing and chanting “No bail for Rafutho”.
The regional court where Rafutho is set to appear was packed as the community of Vanderbijlpark, Boipatong, and Sharpeville wanted to know first-hand if the man will be released on bail.
