Increase in rape reports alarming
Police are calling on rape victims, young and old, not to keep quiet about these crimes but to report them immediately to their nearest police station.
TONGA – This follows an increase in rape cases reported at the Tonga Police Station, some older than a month.
According to a media statement issued by the Tonga SAPS, on April 11 in Masibekela, an 11-year-old girl was raped by a suspect known to her.
The victim’s mother, who reported the matter, alleges that she was with her husband and her daughter was doing schoolwork when the girls suddenly started crying.
They asked her what was wrong and she replied that the suspect had repeatedly raped her when she visited her grandmother.
After the matter was reported to the police, the suspect was arrested and is expected to appear in court soon.
In another recent incident, a 35-year-old male was arrested for raping a 32-year-old woman this past Saturday.
The victim alleges that she was returning home from a party at about 12:00 when she was confronted by her offender.
According to an SAPS press release the victim claims that the suspect forced her to go with him to his residence. Upon their arrival he undressed and forcefully raped her. The offender has since been arrested and is expected to appear in court, while the victim is undergoing treatment and counselling.
Police are investigating both cases and are confident of convictions.
Meanwhile, Tonga Police station commander, Brig Velisiwe Mdaka has appealed to young girls not to keep quite if they have been raped, because if they do, they might end up being infected with diseases such as HIV/Aids and STIs.
“It is better to report the matter early, in order to be able to be treated in time,” Mdaka said.
She also warned everyone who were abusing young girls to stop, as they were destroying their lives and future.
