Damning evidence emerges in doctor’s report in rape trial

A doctor's report has revealed that two girls allegedly raped by a 50-year-old Southernwood man, Michael Scheffer, had missing hymens and one little girl’s private parts were bruised.

Scheffer is accused of raping the minor girls in Southernwood after luring them to his home with bicycle rides.

Scheffer’s lawyer, Vuyiseka Kani, sparked jeers from the full gallery when she queried the doctor’s report, saying the hymens may have been broken during the riding of the bicycles.

She also argued that the children could not have been raped by the accused because they continued frequenting his place after the alleged assaults had happened.

The court was also told yesterday the second victim suffered penetration.

The evidence was revealed yesterday by state prosecutor Ntsikelelo Ntleki during the bail application of Scheffer.

Scheffer was arrested two weeks ago for allegedly raping at least three minors, one aged six, and two aged nine.

The six-year-old’s incident is not included in this case.

Ntleki said more cases had been opened against the accused and were pending.

Pleading for her client to get bail, Kani said Scheffer had two children who depended on him and he had no previous conviction. He was not a flight risk as he “has a business in East London and a family here”.

Ntleki, arguing for continued custody, cited “overwhelming public interest”, and said even if Scheffer was released to an alternative address there was the danger that children in the new neighbourhood could be attacked.

East London magistrate Siyabulela Pango reserved judgement until today. — malibongwed@dispatch.co.za