Man on trail for raping and murdering boy during sleepover

THE man accused of raping and murdering his son’s eight-year-old friend Daniel Jamneck during a sleepover at his house nearly three years ago is finally on trial at the Western Cape High Court.

Last year, the 49-year-old man carried out a second bid for bail after it was initially opposed at the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court but was not successful.

He may not be identified in order to protect his 14-year-old son, who is a crucial witness in the case.

The thin and frail-looking accused made an appearance at the Western Cape High Court yesterday for the first day of the trial.

It is understood the teen is expected to testify in camera when the time arises. The matter was postponed to Thursday due to vital evidence preparations for the case.

The man has since maintained his innocence and is currently imprisoned at Pollsmoor Prison. He faces charges of murder, sexual assault, and assault causing grievous bodily harm.

The State is set to prove that on 15 June 2023, while Jamneck slept next to the accused on a double bed inside his flat in Peerless Park North, Kraaifontein, he allegedly strangled him to death. His son had been sleeping on the double bunk in the room.

The accused had been a tenant and was employed. He also has a previous conviction of rape.

The State previously revealed that the accused left bite marks and abrasions on Jamneck’s body, and adult pubic hair was found during the investigation. They explained that nail marks had been found in Jamneck’s neck after a post-mortem had been conducted. 

The man had been out on parole after he was convicted of rape in 2005 of an adult female and was given a three-year sentence after entering into a plea agreement with the State.

Siya Monakali of GBV organisation Ilitha Labantu called for justice for the little boy. 

Monakali said: “Violence against women and children remains a national crisis, requiring urgent prioritisation, improved case management, and strengthened institutional accountability to prevent prolonged delays in serious matters.”