WATCH: Dobsonville community marches for 12-year-old assault victim
Residents and organisations held a peaceful march in support of a young girl allegedly assaulted by a known community member, as the suspect remains in custody ahead of a bail hearing.
The community of Dobsonville and surrounding areas, together with different organisations and stakeholders, participated in a peaceful march on April 12 from Kopanong Park to the home of a young girl who was the victim of sexual assault.
This 12- year-old from Dobsonville was assaulted by an alleged respected and well-known member of the community.
@sowetourbannews The community of Dobsonville gathered in large numbers for a peaceful march following allegations that a 56-year-old man sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl, to show support for the victim and her family, and to call for justice and stricter action against gender-based violence in the community. 🎥@Karabo Xaba Molefe #soweto
The incident was confirmed to have taken place on the evening of April 3 at around 21:00. Thereafter, a video circulated that showed the room where the assault took place.
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Founder of Khutsong Empowerment Centre, an organisation that fights against gender-based violence, Beatrice Moilwa said that as a community, they saw a need to hold a peaceful march to show support to the family of the victim.
She further told Urban News that the accused allegedly committed the crime under the belief that he would not be held accountable.
“We stand with the young girl who endured this horrific act. What happened to her is deeply disturbing, and the video circulating has been traumatising,” said Moilwa.
The incident has left communities shaken; however, Moilwa assured that they would continue to support the victim and her family, and strongly oppose the bail application that the accused is expected to apply for.
@sowetourbannews Founder of Khutdong Empowerment Centre, Beatrice Moilwa at Dobsonville showing support to the 13 year old victim and her family following the sexual assault she faced. 🎥@Karabo Xaba Molefe #soweto
A family representative shared that this was the last thing they expected from the suspect because they trusted him.
Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that a case was opened at Dobsonville Police Station and that the suspect was arrested on April 4. He appeared before the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court on April 7 and was remanded in custody.
Nevhuhulwi added that the accused is set to appear in court on April 14 for a formal bail application.
