A man from Nkulu ward in Izingolweni is facing charges of rape after luring a two-year-old girl to his room in December last year.
It is believed that he took the girl to his room, covered her mouth and raped her.
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A family member noticed her discomfort and, upon enquiring, discovered that she had been raped, and by whom.
The girl’s family confronted the man and then waited for police to arrive.
He was subsequently taken into custody and charged. He appeared in court last Friday where bail was denied.
Police spokesman, Captain Petros Mpinge confirmed the incident.
“Detective Sergeant Mzwandile Mzindle of the family violence, child protection and sexual offences unit (FCS) in Margate is investigating the case,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mathabiso Cele, founder of ‘Mother of Nations’, a non-profit organisation located in Izingolweni, said her heart broke when she heard about the incident.
“This man lives not far from the girl’s home. She was born innocent but now she has become a victim. This is not the first rape case that has occurred in our community. Our children are suffering,” she said.
Her organisation fights sexual violence against women and children.
She was concerned that, in many cases, the perpetrators lived close to the young girls they raped.
“There are so many cases that go unreported, due to lack of knowledge. Women can’t walk freely in our communities. They live in fear while these men walk around freely. As a woman, the only time I feel safe is on August 9, Women’s Day. I wish our leaders could help us in making women and children feel safer.”
The man is due to appear at the Izingolweni Magistrate’s Court this Friday (25th).
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