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Bail Hearing for Dobsonville Church Leader Moved to 22 April After Court Clashes

Police say forensic evidence supports the case ahead of a 22 April bail hearing.

Overview

  • Following Tuesday's heated scenes outside the Roodepoort Magistrate's Court, the judge postponed the 58-year-old suspect's formal bail application to 22 April and kept him in custody.
  • Crowds of residents, gender‑based violence activists and party supporters packed the street, and SABC reported scuffles between members of the DA, ANC and EFF during the appearance.
  • Police say the alleged assault of a minor happened between the evening of 3 April and the early hours of 4 April after the child visited a Dobsonville home during a power outage.
  • Investigators report medical findings consistent with injury and say they seized the child's clothing from a vehicle, vomit with a red substance, wine stains on an office floor, CCTV footage and a witness video.
  • Gauteng's social development MEC and the national minister condemned the alleged abuse and said social workers are providing counselling for the child and family, while community leaders urged the public not to share the victim's identity.