Working together to fight scourge of rape
The traditional council and police agree that allowing an ex-convict into the community of Makhoso was a mistake.
The community of Makhoso in Ward 20 in Umzumbe Municipality held a meeting with the traditional leadership recently, to address the recent rape cases in the area.
The rapes were allegedly committed by an ex-convict who appeared in the Umzumbe Magistrate’s Court last week. He has been charged with the rape of a teen.
The suspect chose to abandon his formal bail application which was accepted by the magistrate, as the court still awaits more victim statements.
Nombuso Sibisi, chairperson of a women-led community organisation, Women of Mtwalume said the meeting was a success. It was attended by the Hibberdene Saps’ Colonel Sthembiso Mazibuko, Induna Maluleke, school teachers from Makhoso Primary and a social worker, Mr Xulu who all agreed that rape is rife in Mtwalume.
“Colonel Mazibuko said it was wrong for the culprit to be brought into the Makhoso community, he reassured them that the police will be working hard to ensure that justice is served and the children are protected.
“One of the teachers also confirmed that rape is a problem and that as a school they are aware of learners who are victims and are trying to encourage them to speak out,” Sibisi added.
She thanked the community of Ward 20 and the stakeholders for attending.
“Hopefully we will see a change in our community, especially after we all agreed to work together to fight this scourge,” Sibisi concluded.
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