Protest calls for harsh sentences in rape cases
We have been living in fear for too long and it's time we put an end to it.
FRUSTRATED by rape and molestation cases being unsuccessful in court, Wentworth Angels founder Tracey Williams took it upon herself to gather the community and organise a march across Wentworth on Saturday, 24 September.
She highlighted the amount of cases being reported in Bluff, Wentworth and Merebank and the many cases that go unreported. “It’s time to take back control from sex criminals who are abusing children and women in the communities. We want to make the communities aware of the perpetrators being let out onto the streets. They are living among us and we should fear for our children every day,” she said.
The march was fuelled when Williams read a news article about a paedophile receiving an eight-year suspended sentence. “It angered me, as the courts need to implement harsher sentences for paedophiles and rapists. We have been living in fear for too long and it’s time we put an end to it,” she said.
The march started at the Austerville Community Hall with Selvie Pillay leading the group in prayer and Williams sharing motivation.
It ended at the Wentworth Angels Transitional Home. Guest educational speaker, Wendy Augustine from Victim Friendly Centre spoke to the children on taking precautions and also directing them to places of support if ever they needed help.
A small group of 25 people attended the march.
Fran Kay, a representative from the local ward councillors office, lit candles in remembrance of five known raped and murdered victims: Jamie Faith Naidoo aged 3 ; Chantal Pienaar (20); Roseanne Naidoo (16); Tenique Stevens (16) and Annie Parker (16) who lost their lives through rape related crimes in and around the Areas of Bluff, Merebank,Wentworth and Chatsworth.
The many children who joined in Saturday’s march ended the event by releasing balloons containing messages of hope and inspiration for all survivors of sexual abuse. “I thank all the sponsors who made this event possible by sponsoring printed shirts, platters and Shazia Hiring for sponsoring the chairs and table. Also Arthur Williams from Arties Freelance Photos for the photography.
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