Tsakani– Mbalenhle Lekhuleni (28) is encouraging victims of abuse and rape to refrain from blaming themselves for what they went through because they did nothing wrong.
She was kidnapped and raped at gunpoint while attending a bash at Sindane Park when she was 16 years old.
As part of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign, Mbalenhle shared her story to motivate and encourage victims to speak out and seek help.
She said she was walking to the park with one of her brother’s friends when a man walked to them and pulled out a gun.
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“My friend tried to pull me by my hand to run but the guy threatened to shoot us both if I tried anything. He instructed me to jump a fence, forced me to undress and raped me behind the outside toilets.
“When he was done we had a short conversation and I thought it was wise to ask him why he felt the need to rape me. I wanted to understand what I did wrong to deserve being invaded like that.
“He said I spoke too much and deserved another round,” she explained.
Mbalenhle added that while the man was getting dressed, she managed to get hold of the gun that was left on the ground.
“Something inside told me to aim and shoot him because if I miss he will kill me. I repeatedly fired the gun in his direction while crying and he fell to the ground.
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“I then ran back to the park and informed my brothers, who were searching for me, of what happened. They took me to the police station where we found another Mbali who was there to report a case of rape.
“The description of the suspect matched that of my rapist. The victim was also taken to the scene to identify the man and indeed it was him. He was certified dead by paramedics on the scene,” she added.
Mbalenhle was not charged because the court concluded that she acted in self-defence.
“Police informed us that the man was wanted in connection with a case of gang rape,” she added.
Today, she uses her story to encourage and motivate victims of abuse and rape.
“You are not your scars and your future will not be determined by your ordeal. Report the perpetrator to the police and seek counselling,” she concluded.
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