According to the victim, the man employed her to clean a construction site on Market Street in Halfway House. In a statement to Midrand police, she said she was busy with the cleaning when her employer called her to one of the onsite shacks. Once there, the man allegedly forced himself on her.
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Afterwards, he allegedly offered to give her extra money to buy her silence. “Thankfully, she reported the matter to the police and the suspect will appear in court facing rape charges,” said Constable Matome Tlamela, head of communications at Midrand Police Station.
Tlamela also advised the community to break the silence on sexual offences and report every case. “This is the procedure that should happen and a victim should make the decision to open a case,” she said.
When opening a case:
- The police official will take your statement. You need not be alone – a friend or family member can be with you while you make your statement, as long as he or she is not a potential witness in your case
- If you feel that your statement is wrong or incomplete after reporting the case, you can make another statement
- You can make your statement in your own language if there is a police officer onsite who is able to translate
- You have the right to a copy your statement. It may sometimes not be possible to get a copy immediately, but you can acquire it later
- The police official will give you a case number and you must use this number whenever you want information about your case
- If necessary, the investigating officer will make sure you are examined by an accredited healthcare worker, who will complete a medical report and collect medical evidence
- You must make sure that the investigating officer knows how and where to contact you at all times, including when you move to another location. It is a victim’s responsibility to notify the police official of any changes in residential address.
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Details: 011 347 1600; 10111; Saps sexual violence unit head office 012 393 2363.
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