The man accused of sexually assaulting an underage girl in a Dros restaurant in September 2018, is in stable condition and will soon be discharged, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has stated.
“According to our records, the suspect reported at our health care facility in person for medical attention and was examined by DCS health care professionals who then recommended that he be transferred to an external medical center for further examination,” DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said.
“The department can confirm that remand detainee’s health is stable, waiting to be discharged back to our correctional facility.”
The civil rights movement #NotInMyName had alleged that the suspect had overdosed on drugs.
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“Sadly, DCS was never asked nor engaged by the #NotInMyName on the circumstances which may have led to the man being treated by medical professionals,” Nxumalo explained.
The suspect, who was denied bail, is detained at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility in Pretoria. His trial will begin September 9 at the Pretoria High Court. He could be sentenced for rape, assault with intent to do bodily harm, and possession of drugs.
Earlier in January, the suspect was a resident at Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital in Pretoria for a 30-day mental evaluation.
The suspect is alleged to have followed the young girl from the restaurant’s play area to the washrooms where he assaulted the girl. He was caught in the act by the girl’s mother who went looking for her.
A mental evaluation was ordered after it was brought to the attention of the court that the man might have been sick. He reportedly suffers from bipolar disorder that causes depression, and had attempted suicide several times.
The suspect also faces drug charges after he was found with a recreational drug called Tik. The drug, which is clinically called methamphetamine, stimulates the central nervous system.
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