Tukkies rape 'not the first'
2003-09-15 12:39
Pretoria - The State has a bona fide belief that the alleged rape at the University of Pretoria last week was not the first, Pretoria magistrate's court was told on Monday.
Material evidence in this regard still had to be gathered, said prosecutor Brandon Lawrence.
"I am not lying or misleading the court," he said.
But, defence lawyers have rejected the notion.
Deon Cloete, appearing for two of the four men accused of the gang-rape, argued that the State was on "a fishing expedition".
The court was adjourned shortly after noon to consider the State's application for a seven-day postponement of proceedings for further investigation. The defence opposed this application.
The four men arrested in connection with the rape have not pleaded to the charges and so cannot be named.
Students from the university packed the courtroom on Monday morning to attend the appearance on rape charges of four hostel mates.
Most of them were wearing Huis Maroela residence jackets. The crime allegedly took place there.
Handed himself in to police
One former and three present Pretoria University students were arrested on Thursday in connection with the gang-rape of an 18-year-old matric pupil.
Two of the students are grandsons of former cabinet minister Pik Botha, who was also a member of the government of national unity.
One of the four dropped out of university last year and was arrested at a Hatfield bar, a second was taken in at his hostel room on the campus while a third handed himself to Brooklyn police.
The fourth student, who is alleged to have taken pictures while the schoolgirl was raped, handed himself over in the presence of his lawyer.
Family members of the former cabinet minister were also in the court on Monday morning.
According to justice department sources three of the students passed polygraph tests taken during the weekend.
Was offered a lift
Police said last week the woman was given a lift by three men in Hatfield about 04:00 last Friday. She said she had gone with her brother to a nightclub, but he left her behind and promised to fetch her later.
When her brother did not return the girl got a lift offer by the students, but instead of taking her home, the three allegedly took her to Maroela and took turns raping her.
According to university spokesperson Edwin Smith the victim claimed several hostel residents watched.
The matter was reported to police on Wednesday evening.
The girl's drink had allegedly been spiked. - Sapa and News24 staff
- SAPA