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The state will no longer be calling a young rape survivor to testify in the trial of a Port Elizabeth man accused of brutalising her over a period of some 15 hours.
The little girl, who was 6-years-old when she was attacked has to wear a colostomy bag as a result of the injuries she sustained in Decemebr 2011.
On Tuesday, state witness, Clinical Psychologist Karen Andrews, was called to testify whether the child was psychologically fit to continue giving evidence.
In a detailed report Andrews indicated that the child had suffered emotional trauma and had a lack of understanding of the questions put to her during her time in the witness box.
Andrews indicated that the little girl did not have the psychological and intellectual capacity to testify further in the matter, and that although she is now eight-years old, she has the intellectual "ability" of a five-year old.
She told the state that "continued examination would exasperate the child's traumatic experience."
In the report Andrews highlighted that during her "observation the child was disinterested about speaking about the rape ordeal and that she distanced herself from her feelings."
Andrews concluded that it was in her view that this was the first time the child had contact with a clinical psychologist.
