The following story is of a sensitive nature.

The Elsies River community is demanding no bail for a 54-year-old alleged child rapist. The suspect appeared in the Goodwood Magistrate’s Court where the case was postponed to August 30th.

It’s alleged the man from Matroosfontein had sexually violated a 10-year-old girl.

The Elsies River Community Police Forum’s Gender Based Violence Committee’s Charmen Gribi says the family had approached them as the little girl had been traumatised by the continued presence of the perpetrator in the community. Gribi believes that the bail conditions were not stringent enough and that the perpetrator was still in a position to intimidate the victim.

Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi says the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is still ongoing.

Crimes against children rehash old scars for Elsies River residents who were left devastated by the brutal attacks on two little girls Tazne van Wyk and Courtney Pieters. Both were raped and killed.