![Man Arrested For Raping And Murdering 8-Year-Old Boy Denied Bail](https://surgezirc.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Arthur-Wheeler-has-been-denied-bail-file-image.png)
The man who stands accused of raping and murdering an 8-year-old friend of his son during a sleepover has been denied bail.
Arthur Wheeler appeared for the third time at the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court on Monday to continue his bail application.
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Despite his defense team indicating that he could pay a bail amount of R1,000 if released, Wheeler will remain in custody as his bail request was rejected this morning.
This decision was seen as a small victory by child rights activists who were present in the courtroom, vehemently opposing his release on bail.
The prosecution aims to establish that on June 15, while Daniel Jamneck was sleeping next to Wheeler on a double bed in his flat located in Peerless Park North, Kraaifontein, he was allegedly strangled to death.
Wheeler’s own son was sleeping in the double bunk in the same bedroom. The child is expected to testify as a witness for the prosecution in this case.
Wheeler was a tenant and lived in the back of a property, where he was also employed.
Wheeler has yet to enter a plea for the charges against him, which include rape, murder, sexual assault, and assault causing grievous bodily harm.
It is important to note that he has a previous conviction for rape.
Candice van der Rheede, the founder of the Western Cape Missing Persons Unit, has been attending the court proceedings and expressed satisfaction with the decision to deny bail, as it aligns with their strong opposition to Wheeler’s release.
A relative of the landlord, who knew Wheeler personally, also expressed their family’s contentment with the bail denial.
The landlord’s daughter, who cannot be named, shared that their family has been deeply affected by the incident, as they have faced unwarranted blame from some quarters.
She emphasized that they were unaware of Wheeler’s true nature and stressed that they do not support him.
Recalling her interactions with him during family gatherings, she expressed shock at the revelations.
Wheeler is scheduled to appear in court again on August 14.
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In a recent development, the State disclosed that the perpetrator had left teeth marks and abrasions on the victim’s penis, with adult pubic hair found in his anus and on his penis.
The post-mortem examination also revealed nail marks on Daniel’s neck. Last week, Daniel was laid to rest, and the family continues to seek justice for their loss.