WATCH: Dros rape accused fit to stand trial
Nicholas Ninow, who is accused of raping a 7-year-old girl at a Dros restaurant in Silverton in September, will have to stand trial.
Ninow spent 30 days at Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital after the Pretoria Magistrates Court ordered he undergo mental evaluation.
His lawyer, Riaan du Plessis, had previously told the court that he suffered from bipolar disorder and has a history of drug abuse.
Three health professionals, three psychiatrists, and a psychologist were ordered to asses Ninow.
ALSO READ:Students call off Wits protest
"Today we are here and they have declared Mr. Ninow sane and fit to stand trial and now the task ahead is for the NPA to prepare for trial with the aim of securing a successful conviction. The only way for us to do that is to place before the court a formidable case," said Gauteng NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane outside court.
Mjonondwane also confirmed that the trial would be transferred to the High Court in Pretoria.
#DrosRape The NPA's Gauteng Spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane, says their task is to ensure a successful conviction. pic.twitter.com/UqvUc8TJts
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) February 8, 2019
Ninow will remain and custody and is set to be back in the Pretoria Magistrates Court March 5 when the indictment for the transferral to the high court will be confirmed.
Civil society organisation #NotInMyName said it feels it has been vindicated by the findings of the report.
"We said from day one that he is not crazy. He is an accused rapist. Furthermore that this was the way the defense was going to say for him to not stand trial. We are glad the psychiatrists have proven the inevitable. We are hoping he will do the right thing and plead guilty as there is no way out of this," said spokesperson Themba Masango.
He also confirmed that the young victim is back at school.