Thembisa community rallies behind child rape survivor’s family

Community members gathered outside the Thembisa Magistrate’s Court on August 20 in support of the mother of a 14-year-old girl who a 66-year-old family friend allegedly raped.

The girl’s mother said her daughter only disclosed the alleged abuse after the family noticed a change in her behaviour.

Further questioning revealed that the teenager was pregnant.

She said her daughter also indicated that the alleged rape was not an isolated incident.

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She expressed frustration over the continued postponement of the matter and questioned why the case had been repeatedly delayed.

“I honestly feel so let down by our courts. It hurts so much; my child can’t go to school or the shops without seeing him, and she starts urinating herself whenever she sees him.

“The justice system makes me so sad; I just want justice for my child. I want her to be strong. We’ve been through so much, so I know she’ll be okay one day,” the girl’s mother said.

GBV ambassador and Tshegofatsa Rona Welfare founder Cynthia Dinalane, who attended the court appearance in support of the family, alleged that the accused had breached his bail conditions.

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According to Dinalane, the bail conditions required the accused to relocate to Phomolong, but he allegedly remained in the area where the child lives. She said the organisation intended to pursue the matter and seek his arrest over the alleged violation.

“I want the perpetrator to know that we will not stop fighting, and other perpetrators in the community to know that they will be arrested! Where do you find the audacity to date, kill and abuse our children? We are taking a stand and saying, not here in Thembisa,” Dinalane said.

Dinalane further alleged that the accused had previously been linked to another incident and claimed that mother had been offered money to settle the matter, which she refused.

She encouraged victims of abuse to speak out rather than remain silent, saying this was important in holding perpetrators accountable.

Community members said they would continue supporting the teenager and her family while calling for greater protection of children and stronger action against gender-based violence in Thembisa.

The matter was postponed to November 30 for further investigations.