Support for rape accused in Izingolweni criticised
It is reported that the teen had been speaking about rape as if it were happening to a friend.
Non-profit organisation, Women of Mtwalume, has criticised women in Izingolweni for mobilising in support of a man who is accused of raping a 17-year-old girl in the area.
Port Shepstone police confirmed that the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit at Margate Saps is investigating a case after the teenager was raped several times by someone known to her.
“A 55-year-old suspect was arrested by police on July 29 and appeared in the Ezinqoleni Magistrate’s Court on charges of rape,” said the police.
The man appeared in court last Friday, and the matter was postponed to August 28, with the accused remaining in police custody.
According to Reverend Mafungwase Nomfundo Mbili, the founder of Girls Glove Up, also a non-profit, women defending a rape accused during Women’s Month was disturbing.
Also, the chairperson of Women of Mtwalume, Nombuso Sibisi, said she is disappointed that women are coming to the man’s defence.
Sibisi said in cases like these, she generally advises women not to say anything until the courts have decided on the matter.
“Sometimes it is better to be quiet. I am disappointed in the women of this area. Children need women they can confide in and women who can protect them, and not the person accused of committing a crime against them,” he said.
Outside court, the teen’s father said he hopes what happened to his daughter will not affect her schoolwork.
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