Family of Kraaifontein boy allegedly killed at sleepover hopes for justice

Warning - the following story contains graphic details of child abuse 

CAPE TOWN - The family of a young boy who was allegedly raped and killed by his friend's father in Kraaifontein, in Cape Town says it's hoping for a speedy trial now that the matter is at a higher court. 

The 48-year-old accused made his first appearance at the Western Cape High Court on Friday for a pre-trial conference. 

He's accused of raping and strangling to death his son's friend while at a sleepover in Peerless Park North in June 2023. 

It's believed that his son was sleeping on another bed inside the same bedroom.

READ: Man accused of raping, killing boy (8) in Kraaifontein makes first court appearance

At his previous appearances at the Blue Downs Magistrates Court, the accused had indicated that he'd plead not guilty to all the charges against him. 

The deceased young boy's aunt has told Eyewitness News that her family is hoping for a positive outcome so they can have closure.

"We hope that he does plead guilty so this can be handled sooner. We would be grateful as a family. We know nothing is going to bring him back but at least we can have closure."

The pre-trial conference will continue in February 2025.