A 17-YEAR-OLD girl became part of the blood-curdling national rape statistics when she was kidnapped, sexually assaulted and held against her will, allegedly by a 30-year-old taxi driver in Illovo township on August 31.

Amanzimtoti police spokesperson, Captain Charlene van der Spuy, said the following day, at around 09:00, Amanzimtoti police, ET Rapid Response, and Umzinto police’s K9 Unit received information about the kidnapping and acted on it. The girl’s name will not be revealed to protect her identity.

Also read: Rapist attorney says victim was 18, not 13

“It is alleged that the victim was travelling in a taxi driven by the suspect, who is known to her. The suspect deviated from the address she had requested to be dropped off at and instead took her to an Illovo township property where she was held against her will by the suspect,” said Van der Spuy.

The suspect made his first appearance in the Umbumbulu Magistrate’s Court on September 2. Van der Spuy said the investigation is ongoing and the victim received treatment and trauma counselling after she was rescued.

According to police statistics, a woman is raped in South Africa every 12 minutes, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime places South Africa eighth in the world for rape.

The SUN spoke to Sparrow Trust’s Estelle van Eeden, who said that while she cannot comment on whether kidnappings are on the rise, community members are more mindful of it because of awareness initiatives and widespread media coverage.

“Regardless, it is a devastating reality across South Africa. Crimes such as these can tear families and communities apart. Kidnappings, abductions, human trafficking and sexual assault are all crimes that do not discriminate. The perpetrators are not always strangers and they don’t always look like predators,” said Van Eeden.

She explained that South Africans are more vulnerable to such crime because of extreme unemployment rates, poverty, and the apparent impunity with which criminals engage in their activities.

Also read: Amanzimtoti teacher’s rape case postponed

“Our citizens become vulnerable because of exposure to risk factors such as prior abuse, environments rife with violence and substance abuse, poverty, homelessness and a lack of social support and cohesion. Through our social crime prevention work, we focus on awareness raising as a risk-reduction strategy. We strongly urge our families to band together and ensure that home environments are truly safe spaces,” said Van Eeden.

Van der Spuy encouraged victims to report perpetrators of rape. She added that if community members know of someone being abused, they have a duty to report it.

The suspect will appear in court again on October 10, while police carry out further investigation.

Be part of the solution

There is no place for perpetrators of rape in our communities.

• Report them, expose them and partner with police.
• We must do all in our power to make women and children feel safe and free in our streets, at work and at home.
• Commit to upholding and respecting the rights of women and children.
• Parents and guardians have the responsibility to look after their children and not neglect them.
• Do not leave your children alone with strangers, neighbours, friends or relatives you do not trust.

What to do if I am being abused?

• Do not suffer in silence. If you are being physically, emotionally or sexually abused, it is important that you seek help.
• Confide in a friend, neighbour, relative, spiritual leader, elder in the community, doctor or counsellor.
• It is not your fault. There is no excuse for any form of abuse. You can get help, which is readily available through various service providers, helplines and support networks.
• You have the right to say no. No one has the right to force you into sexual activity, no matter your relationship with the person. This means that no one can force you to have sex or touch you in a sexual way without your consent or force sexual activity you find unpleasant or humiliating.

Who can you contact?

People with information that can assist in solving crimes can phone Amanzimtoti police on 031 913 1308, Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or utilise the free MYSAPS mobile app. The Women Abuse Helpline and Childline can be reached on 0800 150 150.

Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.