UPDATE: Stop sharing restaurant ‘rape’ video – government
Dros 'rapist' namers and shamers could be criminally charged.
Social media users must stop sharing the video showing an angry group of people confronting the alleged Dros child rapist.
“People should refrain from circulating the video as it is insensitive to the child and her family and could jeopardise the legal processes,” the government said.
This after a 20-year-old man, who despite being identified on social media, cannot be named until he has pleaded in court, allegedly raped a seven-year-old girl in the men’s bathroom at the franchise-chain restaurant in Silverton at the weekend.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: ‘Dros rapist’ named on social media
The government appealed to the public to stay “calm” instead of mobilising and taking the law into their own hands.
Social media users and members of the public have called for the alleged rapist to be named and shamed.
Caxton local media legal advisor Helene Eloff – who cited the Criminal Procedure Act – said a person accused of a sexual offence may not be named until they have pleaded to the charge in court.
“It is not an ethical rule that can be argued around in the name of public interest. It is the law – an unbreakable, non-bendable rule.
“And he who breaks the rule may be criminally charged,” Eloff said.
A witness, who preferred to remain anonymous, said the accused snatched the girl from the women’s bathroom, blocked her mouth then took her to the men’s bathroom where the alleged attack took place.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: #NotInMyName to visit Dros over ‘rape’ of girl (7)
Her mother then noticed her daughter was no longer at the play area and was told she had gone to the bathroom.
“Her mother went to the restroom but did not find her child. She heard a noise from the men’s restroom and was suspicious. She tried to open the door but it was blocked,” said the witness.
When the door was opened, the child – who was apparently bleeding from the groin – was rescued and police were called.
The accused, who is facing a charge of rape, possession of drugs, intimidation and assault with the intention to cause grievous bodily harm, appeared in the Pretoria Regional Court on Tuesday. He is due back in court on 2 October.
In a statement Dros meanwhile said it had been in contact with the family to offer its sympathy and “any form of assistance”.
“[We have] offered our assistance in any form that would or could reasonably be required in a matter of this nature.
“We have also been in close communication with the owners, management and staff of the said Dros outlet.”
Social media users took to Twitter to voice their opinions:
Government appeals to the public to remain calm and allow the law to take its course #GBV #Dros https://t.co/3EsaoiKw4B
— @SAgovnews (@SAgovnews) September 28, 2018
Had it been a black man found in that #Dros bathroom, he would've got a good beating but it was a white man😢😢so they just recorded a video.
— Mjita wa kasi (@Sdivo7459) September 28, 2018
How I wish he had a breakdown raping your mom, wife or daughter so I we could see you educated reaction @FLWhitehorn #Dros #DrosRapist pic.twitter.com/7rSQoasX0n
— Zolile Pokela (@zpokela) September 28, 2018
Everything child crimes should be death penalty @GovernmentZA we are tired of these assholes raping and killing our family members. Enough with this bull shit. #DrosRapist #Dros and you wonder why communities kill them and burn them. SA is light on crimes. We want #DeathPeanalty
— The Legendary One (@Fantastic_Beats) September 28, 2018
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