In a dramatic start to the trial of former EFF Nelson Mandela Bay councillor Zilindile Vena, he claimed his elderly mother had collapsed on hearing the news that he was accused of raping a Nelson Mandela University student.
Later the media were barred from the court.
Vena, meanwhile, denies all allegations that he raped a 23-year-old student after a party at a flat in St George’s Park.
Magistrate Mputumi Mpofu on Thursday allowed Vena, 35, time to contact his family to ascertain the condition of his mother and then ordered that proceedings be held in-camera.
Vena had stepped down from his position as a Bay EFF councillor, and handed himself over to police, when the allegations first came to light.
It is alleged that on Valentine’s Day last year, the woman and a friend, who was also Vena’s girlfriend at the time, were invited to his flat.
Once there the two women, Vena and a friend of his had a few drinks together before more people arrived.
It was later that night that Vena and his girlfriend went to one room, while his alleged victim and Vena’s friend went to another.
It is claimed that the following morning Vena’s friend received a phone call and left the flat at about 5am, leaving the NMU student, who was staying in Makhanda at the time, behind.
Shortly after that the woman allegedly woke up with Vena on top of her.
She pushed him off and he allegedly told her not to worry as he had a condom.
Later, the woman’s friend was informed of what had allegedly happened and they went to report the matter to the police.
Upon hearing the allegations and that the woman had opened a case against him, Vena handed himself over to the police the following day.
He was released on bail of R2,000.
On Thursday, Vena pleaded not guilty to the charge of rape in the Port Elizabeth Regional Court.
He did not offer a plea explanation or make any submissions.
Asked for comment, Vena’s attorney Zolile Ngqeza said they were not prepared to say anything at this stage as the trial was still ongoing, bar to say that his client maintained his innocence.
EFF provincial chair Yazini Tetyana said Vena must have his day in court so that he gets a fair chance to prove his case.
“[Vena] remains not guilty until proven [otherwise],” Tetyana said.
The trial continues on Friday, with the woman’s friend expected to testify next. —
Additional reporting Mkhululi Ndamase
HeraldLIVE
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