Udemwo calls for swifter prosecutions and improved support for survivors following disturbing child rape cases in Mpumalanga and the Free State
The recent series of reported child rapes, particularly involving young children, in Mpumalanga and the Free State has sparked concerns over the lack of decisive actions taken by authorities against the perpetrators.
Thandi Nontenja, the secretary-general of the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (Udemwo), expressed shock at the alarming increase in rape incidents across the country and urged the government to take concrete steps to address the issue.
She cited various incidents that occurred between November of last year and early this month, both before and after December which marks the 16 Days of No Violence against Women and Children campaign.
Child rape incidents between November and early this month
Nontenja brought attention to several disturbing incidents in Mpumalanga and the Free State during this time frame. These included the alleged rape of three-year-old and two-year-old toddlers in Siyabuswa and Elukwatini in Mpumalanga.
In addition, a 12-year-old girl and a nine-year-old boy were reportedly raped in Welkom, Free State, during the same period. Another heartbreaking case involved a three-year-old girl who was allegedly raped, assaulted, and burned with a cigarette in Virginia, Free State.
Udemwo emphasized the need for the government to expedite these cases and ensure that justice is swiftly served. They stressed that delayed justice is tantamount to denied justice, and that perpetrators should not be allowed to roam free while their young victims suffer.
Among the actions Udemwo called for to combat the scourge of child rape were increased funding for support services for survivors of child abuse, enhanced effectiveness of the justice system in handling child abuse cases, and the launch of a national awareness campaign to prevent child abuse and promote child safety.
Condemning these abhorrent crimes and demanding action
Nontenja urged South Africans to join in condemning these heinous crimes and pushing for action from the government. In the Siyabuswa case, the three-year-old girl was reportedly raped in December, but the incident was only reported to the police on 2 February.
A case was opened and assigned to the KwaMhlanga Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit, which initiated an investigation. The victim was taken to the hospital for observation.
Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli revealed that the alleged perpetrator was arrested by the community and subsequently assaulted. While the case was submitted to a senior prosecutor, it was not enrolled, leading to the release of the suspect from custody, much to the community’s outrage.
However, Mdhluli assured that the Mpumalanga police remained committed to thoroughly investigating all reported cases of sexual assault and rape, especially when children are involved.
Recent incidents
In other recent incidents, a 26-year-old man appeared in court after being arrested for allegedly raping a two-year-old girl in Elukwatini. According to police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Jabu Ndubane, the suspect lured the toddler into an abandoned house where the assault took place.
The community intervened and apprehended the suspect, who sustained injuries during his capture. He was charged with rape and is currently in custody awaiting further legal proceedings.
