DEMOCRATIC Alliance councillors, led by DA spokesman for social development in the legislature, Elma Rabe MPL, protested outside the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court in support of the victims of serial rapist, Moses Mavila.
“We are extremely disappointed with the postponement of the sentencing of the ‘Durban Highway Rapist’ until 30 August,” said Rabe.
Mavila was found guilty last month on 30 counts of rape between 2016 and 2019.
He is reported to have lured his unsuspecting victims to the M19 highway between Westville and New Germany under the premise of work. He would then rape them and rob them of their belongings.
He also faces a further 31 counts of robbery and assault, with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
“Today was supposed to have been a day that would bring some sense of closure for the brave women who have come forward and reported these heinous crimes. Instead, there is a delay, allegedly as a result of the magistrate being on leave. Regrettably, this means that they will have to wait even longer to see justice served,” said Rabe.
ALSO READ: Alleged M19 serial rapist faces more charges
“The reality is that a woman is raped in KZN every hour and that our country has become a danger zone for some of its most vulnerable citizens, our women and children. To make matters worse, victims of such traumatic events are also often left to fend for themselves, with little or no support from state institutions,” she continued.
DA West Durban Constituency chair, councillor Marlaine Nair, added, “Many women who were victims of abuse usually didn’t report their abusers because of lack of faith in the justice system, the frustration of delayed justice and also being jobless and unable to support themselves. Women must aim to be self-sufficient and also not lose hope in obtaining justice,” said Nair.
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