DA visits family of 12-year-old who who was raped by neighbour
The suspect, who is a church elder and respected man in the community, allegedly raped the child on Good Friday.
The DA visited a family in Dobsonville, Soweto, whose 12-year-old daughter fell victim to the crime of rape allegedly by a neighbour on April 10, to stand with the family in solidarity and offer their support.
The incident was reported to have occurred on April 3 at around 21:00.
A family representative relayed the story to Urban Newspaper, stating that it was not easy; however, they are seeking justice for their daughter, who has been greatly affected by the alleged suspect’s actions.
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The family representative shared that the suspect is a trusted neighbour in the community and an elder at a local church.
He had allegedly offered a number of people from the community space in his house to cook, store their food in his fridge and had children come play over at his house (including the victim), as some houses did not have electricity.
‘’Someone who was at the suspect’s house told us that she grew suspicious when he was roaming around the yard next to his car. That is when he was questioned about the child.”
The 12-year-old’s body was reported to have been discovered lying on a table, in the suspect’s outside study room, naked and unconscious.
The suspect was apprehended the following day, made his first court appearance, and will appear at the Roodepoort Magistrates’ court on April 14 for a formal bail application.
Different entities, organisations, and stakeholders joined forces to show their support and visited the family during this trying time.
