LIMPOPO – The MEC for Social Development, Nkakareng Rakgoale has condemned the rape of a mentally ill, 10-year-old girl, receiving care at the Tshwaranang Disability Centre in Lephepane outside Tzaneen.

The centre is a non-profit-organisation which is funded by the department.

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Spokesperson, Witness Tiva says the girl was allegedly raped by two men and two other minors on different occasions and the incident was brought to light after a family member of the victim approached a social worker who referred the matter to police. 

Rakgoale says what worries her the most is that this incident came to light at a time where the country is commemorating Disability Rights Awareness Month. “I would like to take this opportunity once again and urge the public to be on high alert and speak out whenever they witness incidents of gender-based violence in their localities,” she said.

“Social workers have already begun providing psychosocial services to the victim, other patients of Tshwaranang Disability Centre and the affected families. The Department has also deployed a team to start a departmental investigation aimed at establishing facts surrounding the circumstances of what transpired. We also want to check if the environment at the center is still suitable for taking care of the vulnerable people of our society. We hope that the police will double their efforts in investigating the matter and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book,” Rakgoale concluded.

raeesak@nmgroup.co.za