Case postponed against man accused of raping and murdering child

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 The man accused of raping and killing nine-year-old Rosaline Philander at Rheenendal outside Knysna in August will only learn his fate next year.

The 32-year-old man, who is yet to plead, will appear in the Knysna District Court on January sixth after the case was postponed for further investigation.

Rosaline had been playing with friends when the man, who is well-known to the Rheenendal community, approached and asked her to accompany him to a shop.

According to southern Cape police, he was later seen walking alone without the child.

Her body was discovered in a secluded area of veld, with a severe gash to her throat.

An autopsy later confirmed that Roseline had also been raped.