Burundi rape trial to be heard in South Africa

The trial of a South African soldier accused of the rape and murder of a child prostitute while stationed in Burundi is to be moved to South Africa. Sergeant Flippie Venter is accused of raping and strangling a 14-year old prostitute and assaulting a security guard who refused to give him and the girl a room, in 2004. The last witnesses delivered their testimony in Burundi yesterday, and arguments by the defence and state will be heard in South Africa in May. However, if Venter is found guilty South African witnesses and the judges involved will have to return to Burundi. Venter has pleaded not guilty.