PLETTENBERG BAY Plettenberg Bay residents are fed up with sexual crimes against children and this became apparent during the bail application of a Ghanaian man who is accused of several sexual crimes involving young girls.
More than 3 700 locals signed a petition against the 38-year-old's release and this was handed over to the investigating officer in the matter to use in his bid to oppose bail on Friday October 2.
"We've had immense support from the community and obtained 3 733 signatures for a petition strongly opposing bail for this suspect," Woman and Men Against Child Abuse (WMACA) spokesperson Joanne Barrett said.
She added that while garnering signatures, she discussed the reasons for residents' support of such a campaign.
"Most are parents themselves and fear for their own children. In general, residents have had enough of this scourge plaguing our communities."
Last month, anti-child abuse groups had similar support for another bid against the release of a suspect accused of raping and killing eight-year-old Sesona Bhayibhile. Just under 4 000 residents signed the petition, which led to accused, 18-year-old Lulama Candani, abandoning his bail application.
The Ghanaian man's bail bid however continues on October 15.
During a lengthy bail application in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate's Court last week, shocking details of alleged sexual abuse of four young girls between the ages of seven and 11 emerged.
The accused, who cannot be named until he has pleaded, was arrested by members of the George Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit (FCS) at his home in Kwanokuthula on September 8.
The court heard how the suspect allegedly lured the children, including the daughters of a local police officer who is also his neighbour, to his home with promises of cookies and other treats before attempting to perform sexual acts with them.
He allegedly showed pornographic films to some of the children, attempted to have oral sex with one girl and demanded others to undress themselves while he took off his clothes.
Investigating officer Warrant Officer Christopher Wolhuter said he was also investigating another matter involving the same man where he allegedly promised a 14-year-old girl a cellphone in exchange for sex.
After his arrest, a drug charge was also added to the charges and it came to light that he did not have the necessary permit to be in South Africa. Although he admitted that the "small amount" of dagga found at his house when he was arrested was his and that he was in the country illegally, he denied the other charges.
He said he believed the charges stemmed from a disagreement he had with two of the complainants' father – the husband of his police officer neighbour.
He said in the witness stand that his neighbour was "a drunk" who asked him for money on several occasions. Three days before his arrest, however, the neighbour sent the children to him to ask for money again.
"I didn't give him the money as business wasn't good that day. However, later he saw me put money into my pocket and confronted me about it," the accused said. He added that the man then threatened him.
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ARTICLE: YOLANDé STANDER, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD CORRESPONDENT
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