TONGA – Two rape suspects are due to appear in the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court for raping their relatives in separate incidents.
The first suspect is a 37-year-old man of Langeloop trust who raped his 15-year-old niece. It is alleged that the suspect started raping the victim in 2012.
The young girl told her sister that the uncle has been raping her since 2012. This came after the victim got ill and the doctors diagnosed a sexual transmitted illness.
The sister then reported the matter to the police and a case of rape was opened against the uncle. The suspect was arrested on Monday and was due to appear in court the same day.
The second suspect is a 28-year-old man of Madadeni who took advantage of his 17-year-old cousin and raped her.
It is said that there was a party at the victim’s house and the suspect was drinking. After he got drunk, he forced himself on the young girl.
The victim woke her mother up at about 04:00 on Sunday and informed her that her cousin raped her. She was then rushed to hospital where the rape was confirmed. The matter was then reported to the police and a case of rape was opened. The suspect has been arrested and was due to appear in court on Monday.
“The SAPS in Tonga is encouraging the community to report sexual assault cases with immediate effect as we have seen that there are victims who are being raped, but they do not report because the suspect is a relative. Police are warning the parents or families who still protect suspects just because they are related to the victim that they will be arrested too. Police would like to extend words of gratitude to the parents of the victim of Madadeni for reporting the matter,” said spokesperson, Lt Mzwandile Nyambi.
