Six South African men accused of raping a nine-month-old...
Six South African men accused of raping a nine-month-old baby in October 2001 were freed by a court in Upington after insufficient evidence was gathered for the case to proceed
Six South African men accused of raping a nine-month-old baby in October 2001 were freed by a court in Upington after insufficient evidence was gathered for the case to proceed.
"The men have been freed and left the court ... after charges against them had been dropped," Superintendent Hendrik Swart said. DNA tests provided no links to the men.
"Police have offered the men protection, which they apparently declined," Superintendent Swart added after officials addressed a crowd of several hundred outside the Upington Magistrates Court.
The rape outraged South Africans, prompting demonstrations when the men first appeared in court and sparking demands for the return of the death penalty.
"The men have been freed and left the court ... after charges against them had been dropped," Superintendent Hendrik Swart said. DNA tests provided no links to the men.
"Police have offered the men protection, which they apparently declined," Superintendent Swart added after officials addressed a crowd of several hundred outside the Upington Magistrates Court.
The rape outraged South Africans, prompting demonstrations when the men first appeared in court and sparking demands for the return of the death penalty.
— SOURCES
- (Sources: Australian (The), 19/01/2002)