Protest vents outrage over child’s rape

Following six-year-old's rape, Montclair protest calls for society to end violence against women.

April 15, 2014

Mbali Mpofu 2 minutes read

Protesters stand in solidarity against child abuse.

The words ‘No more rape’ echoed through the streets of Montclair as protesters marched in solidarity against the rape and abuse of children on Saturday, 12 April.

The outrage was triggered by the rape and assault of a seven-year-old Montclair girl, who was six at the time of her kidnapping and rape in March.

Ansie Liebenberg of the Montclair Methodist Church said, “The reality of the evil out there hit close to home when we heard about the rape. We could not keep quiet about it. We have to find a way to protect our children. Why can’t we walk in the streets without feeling safe?”

The young girl, who is a church member, was abducted from the circle in Blamey Road as she walked home from school. The protest, which was the first of its kind in the community, was a collective effort from the church’s team leaders and community members, organisations and political parties came out in their numbers to protest alongside them.

Protesters met at the KFC in South Coast Road, Clairwood where the young girl was dropped off by her transport. They walked up Blamey Road to the circle where she taken and gathered for a prayer. A ribbon with prayers and wishes for the children in the community was tied around the tree in the centre of the circle. Community members who carried red balloons, released them at the centre of the circle. Attached to the balloons were prayers for the protection of the children in the community. The colour red symbolised the seven-year-old’s favourite colour.

Protesters followed the route she walks to get home after school. They walked up Blamey Road and finished their march at Montclair Methodist Church. Along the way, protesters chanted slogans and waved their banners depicting their outrage around over the crime. Along the way, protesters were met with hoots from motorists who were equally aggrieved.

“We are speaking to different role players to try and start a patrol in Blamey Road as most children use the road to get to and from school. This will a be clear sign to opportunists that our children are protected. It takes a whole community to protect a child, ” said Ansie.

Community members are thanked for their participation in the march. Anyone who like to volunteer for patrols can call Ansie on 031-469-0419.