Man in custody for alleged rape of a vulnerable woman
A local hairdresser is facing rape charges after allegedly assaulting a vulnerable 22-year-old woman on two separate occasions at a salon in Alexandra.
A 22-year-old woman described by her family as having cognitive limitations was allegedly raped twice by a hairdresser at a hair salon in Alexandra — a place she had visited regularly and trusted.
The suspect, who was arrested and is facing charges in connection with the woman’s sexual assault, is currently in custody after the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court denied his bail application. He is expected to return to court on December 11.
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According to the victim’s relative, Busisiwe Mavimbela, the first incident occurred in May when her niece went to the salon to wash her hair. The suspect, who had known the young woman since childhood, allegedly took advantage of her vulnerability.
“She went there to do her hair, and after he was done, he closed the sliding door,” Mavimbela said. “He told her they were partners and should have sexual intercourse. She refused and said she wanted to go to her grandmother, but that’s when he [reportedly] raped her.”
After the assault, the man allegedly threatened her, saying she must not tell anyone or he would stop washing her hair. Mavimbela said the young woman did not say anything at the time, and the man continued to prey on her vulnerability.
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Mavimbela said in June, her niece returned to the same salon, and the suspect allegedly raped her again and this time more violently. “He restrained her hands, covered her mouth, and removed her clothes,” she explained. “When she tried to scream, he threatened to hit her.”
She said the family only learned of the assaults in August when they gave her money for another salon visit. But she refused to go and told the family exactly what had happened. “That’s when we took action and opened a case,” Mavimbela shared.
She said that since the two incidents, the victim has not been the same. “She is not herself anymore,” Mavimbela said. “She has lost weight, has nightmares, and keeps dreaming of the man restraining her. She needs counselling, but her appointment is only scheduled for next year.”
Despite their pain, the family is trying to remain strong. “We are not okay, but we have to be strong for her,” Mavimbela said.
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