Investigations launched into alleged rape video
A joint investigation has been launched into the alleged rape video of a Pietermaritzburg school girl after a matric dance. The video caused national outrage, and was reported to have depicted the rape of a Newcastle school girl.
Earlier this month a graphic video depicting the alleged rape of a young woman went viral on social media.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal have called for a full-scale joint investigation by both the Community Safety and Education departments, after a video surfaced showing the alleged rape of a young Pietermaritzburg woman after her matric dance.
The Newcastle Advertiser reported the woman was allegedly from a school in Newcastle. However, it has been confirmed that the perpetrators of the incident have no connection to our community.
“We have not yet seen the video, but are absolutely horrified by the incident. We are going to ensure that the perpetrators receive the harshest of punishments,” said Muzi Mahlambi, spokesperson for the Department of Education last week.
Even more shocking, the incident occurred during Women’s Month in our country – a time when the focus is preventing the abuse of women in our society. According to anti-rape initiative, Blow the Whistle, a staggering 74 400 people would have been raped by the end of the month, which translates roughly to an incident of rape every 36 seconds.
“It is time that a very clear message was sent out that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated. This can only be done by bringing the culprits to book and ensuring that they face the full might of the law” said Dr Rishigen Viranna, spokesperson on Community Safety for the DA in KZN.
Department of Education was also called to conduct a probe into how drugs and alcohol were allegedly available at the matric dance and to ensure that those responsible for the safety of learners at this school function are held accountable.
Investigations into the incident are still underway.
