Murder and child rape accused Itumeleng Machabe made a second appearance in the Northern Cape High Court where the trial date was set down for October 16 to November 3.
MURDER and child rape accused Itumeleng Machabe made a second court appearance in the Northern Cape High Court where the trial date was set down from October 16 to November 3.
Machabe is charged with the rape and murder of 11-year-old Relebogile Segami, who was reported missing on March 30, 2022.
Her body was found dumped behind the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature building the following day.
He was also charged with the rape of a 15-year-old girl.
Machabe remains behind bars ever since his arrest after the community staged protests at court opposing his bail application.
Community activist Herbert Miller, who vowed to attend the proceedings, said the #Justice 4 all GBVF movement was formed to advocate for justice for Relebogile as well as to support all victims of gender-based violence, femicide and sexual assault.
Miller expressed frustration regarding the delays and postponements of the trial.
He said there should be no delays in this case as it has the potential to cause public outrage, like at the Galeshewe Magistrate’s Court when the accused wanted to apply for bail.
“This is not the type of case to play delaying tactics. We don’t want unnecessary delays on this one. We don’t want a lighter sentence either because the safety of women and children will be compromised,” said Miller.
