By Kaylynn Palm
SAPS are investigating allegations that a man in Belhar raped a teenage boy.
Thirteen-year-old Jason Hendricks was sexually assaulted in a bush in Belhar last year. According to the boy, he played outside with his friend when some guys nearby asked them to go to the shop.
The pair then returned from the shop, handing over their bought goods. As they walked away, a man known in the community called them. They were taken aback by his rude nature and approach and ran away.
“The man then chased us, but we ran away. He then told me that he was going to get me, and we ran home,” Jason said.
Later that day, the boy was outside and came across the man again. He then got hold of the boy and dragged him between the bushes. He then raped him.
“I got up and ran as fast as possible to my father’s place. When I arrived, I told him what had happened. He was angry,” he said.
Jason’s father then went to the police station, where he opened a rape case.
Sitting with his mother and grandmother, Jason said that he felt confused by what had happened to him. His mother, Rhonda, said the boy had seen the social worker twice and added that her son needs support.
“He doesn’t want to go to school and prefers to be outside; he really needs help and assistance. Regarding the incident, I want the person responsible to remain in jail because tomorrow he can do it to another child,” said Hendricks.
Action Society received a mandate from the teenager’s mother to support and act as a watching brief to oversee the prosecution on behalf of the family.
