The raping of mentally disabled women has escalated in Jabavu.
A male relative was recently detained for raping his mentally disabled niece; the niece has been having difficulties in reporting the rape due to her mental disability.Â
The other relatives have opened a case against this uncle who has been in police custody while the case is undergoing investigation.
Captain Mpande Khoza of Moroka SAPS said, “These mentally disturbed women are vulnerable and should never be left alone with untrustworthy relatives and uncles.”
Khoza reported that these mentally disabled women get raped by people close to them because they know that they will be unable to reiterate the rape incidents. Parents and guardians are urged to watch their mentally disturbed daughters closer and never to trust anyone with them.
Some families try to hide these rapes because they claim that it will ruin their family names and reputation, instead they opt for a ceremonial cleansing.
Constable John Serala of Moroka SAPS said, “Families should stop prohibiting the law from taking its course, because the rape victims need proper counselling and care after wards.”
Many arrests have been made prior to this most recent one.
