“No Bail”, “We Demand Justice”, “There are no excuses for child abuse”
On Thursday, 19 February 2009, Sonke joined the Nyanga community in protesting against the court’s decision to release on bail a Nyanga drama teacher accused of sexually abusing and raping young members of a local drama club.
The accused was released on R2000 bail on condition that he stay away from Nyanga. Members of the community have reported that the accused did not obey these conditions and they, with the support of Sonke, SANCO and TAC, protested outside the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court during the most recent court appearance.
Despite strong protests from members of the gallery, the court case was postponed and the accused was permitted to leave the court. He will appear again in court on 7 April.
Although the accused was not detained, the protestors felt a sense of satisfaction in that they were able to express their anger towards him and towards the court system that has released him. The community have also made it very clear that the teacher is not welcome in Nyanga.
