Action Society demanded that the man accused of raping a teenage girl in Khayelitsha on 3 September 2023 must be re-arrested immediately to ensure the traumatised victim’s safety. According to Action Society’s Kaylynn Palm the South African Police Department (SAPS) needs to explain how it is possible that a man accused of raping a child is just released.”
Action Society was mandated to oversee the case by the rape victim’s family earlier this month.
The teenager reported the rape to the family’s gobela (traditional doctor) on 5 September, two days after the incident, after which the gobela informed the teen’s mother. The teenager was taken to the Thutuzela Care Centre at Khayelitsha hospital on 6 September 2023, where a rape kit was performed. A case was opened at the Harare Police Station on 7 September and the gobela’s husband was arrested in connection of the rape the next day. When the victim’s family arrived at court on 11 September, suspecting that the rapist would appear in court, they were shocked to find out that the suspect would be released because there where no docket at court.
“Apparently the police are waiting for the DNA results to be added to the docket before the case continues. How many child rapists are walking the streets because of incomplete dockets? And who is going to take responsibility for the safety of all the children they get in contact with while they await prosecution?”
Action Society will continue to assist the teenager and her family on the road to justice. The first step is to have the suspect behind bars.
