Charges were dropped on Tuesday against one of the men accused of raping and killing teenager Anene Booysen, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said.
Regional spokesman Eric Ntabazalila said charges were withdrawn against Jonathan Davids, 22, in the Bredasdorp Magistrate's Court after a thorough investigation.
"The investigation revealed there was insufficient evidence to secure a conviction. The State will continue with its case against accused two, Johannes Kana," he said.
According to the Cape Argus, Kana, 21, confessed to raping and assaulting Booysen, but not murdering her. He did not apply for bail.
Ntabazalila said Kana's case was postponed until June 3 for plea proceedings, in terms of section 119 of the Criminal Procedure Act.
This section relates to charges being put to the accused so he can plead guilty or not guilty, in matters where the offence has to be tried by a higher court, or where it merits punishment in excess of what the magistrate's court can give.
"We understand the sense of shock and outrage that was induced by the incident, however, as the prosecution we can only prosecute successfully on sufficient evidence," Ntabazalila said.
Booysen, 17, was found severely beaten and disembowelled at a construction site after spending several hours at a pub in Bredasdorp on February 2. She died soon after being hospitalised.
Before she died, Booysen said from her hospital bed that five or six men were involved in the attack.
She had also named "Zwai", which was both the nickname of Davids and another man said to live in Zwelitsha.
Davids and Kana confirmed that they were at the same pub that night.
Booysen's main accused walks
Charges were dropped on Tuesday against one of the men accused of raping and killing teenager Anene Booysen, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said.
Regional spokesman Eric Ntabazalila said charges were withdrawn against Jonathan Davids, 22, in the Bredasdorp Magistrate's Court after a thorough investigation.
"The investigation revealed there was insufficient evidence to secure a conviction. The State will continue with its case against accused two, Johannes Kana," he said.
According to the Cape Argus, Kana, 21, confessed to raping and assaulting Booysen, but not murdering her. He did not apply for bail.
Ntabazalila said Kana's case was postponed until June 3 for plea proceedings, in terms of section 119 of the Criminal Procedure Act.
This section relates to charges being put to the accused so he can plead guilty or not guilty, in matters where the offence has to be tried by a higher court, or where it merits punishment in excess of what the magistrate's court can give.
"We understand the sense of shock and outrage that was induced by the incident, however, as the prosecution we can only prosecute successfully on sufficient evidence," Ntabazalila said.
Booysen, 17, was found severely beaten and disembowelled at a construction site after spending several hours at a pub in Bredasdorp on February 2. She died soon after being hospitalised.
Before she died, Booysen said from her hospital bed that five or six men were involved in the attack.
She had also named "Zwai", which was both the nickname of Davids and another man said to live in Zwelitsha.
Davids and Kana confirmed that they were at the same pub that night.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos