Ladysmith KZN: MEC visits family of rape victim to give support
It is alleged that the teenager was threatened with a knife
MEC for Social Development Ms Nonhlanhla Khoza – accompanied by uThukela District Mayor Siphiwe Mazibuko, Okhahlamba Speaker S Zulu and various stakeholders that included political leadership, the security cluster and other officials – recently visited the family of an 18-year-old who was raped in the kwaKhwela area of Bergville. The aim of the visit was to express their support to the Hlongwane family following this heinous crime and to obtain details about the matter.
The victim is currently studying a Bachelor of Sciences degree at the University of the Free State. It is alleged that the teenager was threatened with a knife and assaulted, resulting in her teeth being knocked out before she was raped. The perpetrator was arrested and is set to appear in court today (August 6).
The mother of the victim revealed that they were approached to accept a cow as a gesture to pay for damages after her daughter’s ordeal. MEC Khoza said this conduct is unacceptable.
“As a caring government, we are not going to sit and do nothing while our children suffer abuse in communities. Such incidents can never be swept under the carpet, with some people thinking they will pay inhlawulo as an apology after a rape,” said Khoza.
Mayor Mazibuko offered a message of support to the family and said they were all touched when they heard the shocking news about the rape.
“August is known as Women’s Month and we are preaching about ending gender-based violence. We are here to give support to the family during this trying period and to ensure that all those involved in the abuse and rape are put behind bars, as our society is relying on us,” said the mayor. He also said ‘we need to strengthen the co-operation between government, traditional leaders and community in preventing this kind of behaviour’.
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The leadership then engaged with the local traditional council in an effort to ensure that such incidents are dealt with in a manner that is appropriate, and that they play their part in the protection of the rights of women and children. The Department of Social Development will intervene to give counselling to the victim and her family.
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