The community and media were prevented from entering the courtroom when the suspects in the murder and rape case of baby Nyiko at the Protea Magistrate Court on Wednesday morning.
An announcement was made that the case is not open to the public because one of the accused is a minor.
This is in line with the Criminal Procedure Act section 154(3) which states that no person shall publish information that may reveal the identity of the accused or of a witness at criminal proceedings who is under the age of 18.
[also read] – A two year old , rape victim Baby Nyiko Itumeleng Mthimunye laid to rest
Both the accused will however go back to their holding cells and will re-appear in court on the 14th of December 2020. The community and the media will also not welcomed on that day.
Sowetans and members of various community organisations had availed themselves to support the family of baby Nyiko and call for justice to be served.
The decision to prevent the public from entering the courtroom was not well received by Sowetans. “We urge the government to atleast amend the rules and not let the minor accused be in the same room with the other accused.
“It is alleged that the minor is scared of the other accused how then will she be able to give her statement? We want justice to prevail for the little one,” said Ntosh Somdyala , member of Masiyixoxe Men and Boys Forum (MMBF).
Lenda Wana, an aunt to the deceased told the media that she was not allowed to enter the courtroom and that was rather unfair to her.
According to Saferspace, GBV continues to rise and is a widespread problem in South Africa, impacting almost every aspect of life.
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