North rape triggers new CPF
The woman apparently called out to her neighbours, but no one came to help.
A Community Policing Forum (CPF) has been formed in Hammanskraal after the rape of an elderly woman.
It was launched last Sunday, said Temba police spokesperson Warrant Officer Lesabane Ditlamelo.
“With the cooperation of the community, common crimes such as burglaries, cable theft and robberies can be easily solved and prevented.”
CPF founding member Abel Sepoloane said the rape of the elderly woman by three men in April shook him and residents.
He said it felt like the community had lost its sense of ubuntu as no one came to the woman’s rescue.
The rape was committed on Good Friday in the victim’s home. The woman apparently called out to her neighbours, but no one came to help.
“It broke my heart because this could have been prevented if someone had helped her,” said Sepoloane.
CPF member Refilwe Mabidikama told Rekord that a series of meetings had been held to discuss the crime.
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“We discussed ways on how the community can help residents when such incidents happen,” he said.
“We then decided to buy whistles that we distributed to some residents. They could use them to make alarm about criminal activity.”
Residents mostly did not look out for each other and this had to change, he said.
“Rapes do happen, but they are not reported. If a child tells someone in the community that they are being molested, then the family and the community must come together to report it,” said Ditlamelo.
“If someone was robbed on the way home from the tavern, they feel ashamed to report it. They should not feel that way. All crimes should be reported.”
Ward councillor Solly Qebelu said it was important for people to work with the police to make their area a better place.
“It is our duty to protect the area we live in. No one is above the law and all those who break it must be brought to justice,” said Qebelu.
Police spokesperson Herman Moremi said the rape was still being investigated.
“The family and child protection offences unit is working with the investigative officer,” he said.
“Tests taken from the victim are used to link and trace them to the suspects.”
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