Bredasdorp accused 'let off hook'
The man accused of murdering a 15-year old girl in Bredasdorp was charged with abduction and statutory rape last June, but walked free after the court was told that prosecutors had "mediated" the case, The Times has established. Gift Sabondo, 28, appeared in the town's magistrate's court yesterday. He was not asked to plead and the case was postponed to Monday for a formal bail application.The body of Elda Jafta was found on Sunday wrapped in a blanket and stuffed under the bed of the shack she shared with the accused in Zwelitsha informal settlement. She had been beaten to death and had several superficial stab wounds.The teenager was last seen alive on Friday night, when a neighbour saw her covered in bruises and being carried into the shack on Sabondo's shoulder.Elda's mother, Eva Jafta, was in court yesterday. Last June she reported Sabondo to the police, and after an investigation he was charged with abduction and statutory rape. He appeared in court on June 23.Jafta told The Times she knew nothing of the mediation. "Nobody spoke to me about it. I just saw him walking around again and he came to fetch my child again."..
There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.
From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.
For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.
Already subscribed? Sign in below.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.