OWN CORRESPONDENT, Johannesburg | Wednesday 9.00am.
SIX YOUNG suspects arrested in connection for the gang rape of a Brazilian journalist visiting Johannesburg appeared in Johannesburg Regional Court on Tuesday without legal representation.
The magistrate had previously warned the suspects that the seriousness of the crime meant that they could be given to the High Court for sentencing if found guilty. The prescribed sentence for the crime is life imprisonment.
The suspects asked to represent themselves at their first hearing on July 10. Three of the accused are too young to be named, and their parents have not yet been traced. The presiding magistrate on Tuesday ordered that at their next court appearance, the investigating officer had to give the court evidence regarding their parents or guardians.
The other three accused are: Themba Ngwenya whose age has not been given, Sipho Mathanga, 19, and Duduzi Maphanya, 18. In July the youths were described by the court as “destitute children” who lived in a derelict flat in downtown Johannesburg.