PARENTS of four teens accused of sexually molesting a group of boys at uMkhobose area outside eSikhaleni in January, are growing weary under the stress caused by long court delays.
Speaking to the Zululand Observer on Thursday, shortly after the youths appeared at the eSikhawini District Court, distraught family members said continuous court postponements might have disastrous consequences for their children.
‘We know our children did wrong, but it breaks our hearts to see them turning into hard, soul-less prison thugs while they wait to hear their fate,’ said one parent, who continually showed heartache for the loss of his son’s childhood.
‘Our children are accused of hurting these young boys, but we are still parents, and we still love our children.
‘When they appear in court, their eyes are blank. Their stares are hard. We know that being held as awaiting trial prisoners with hardened criminals is reshaping their futures.’
‘We don’t want them to stay long behind bars and get used to a life in prison. They still need to attend school and make something of themselves,’ said another parent.
The accused, aged between 15 and 19, were arrested and charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and compelled rape.
It is alleged they forced 10 young boys ages between 8 and 12 years to strip naked, and brutally whipped them before forcing them to have sexual intercourse with each other at Injunga Dam.
They were identified in a video which circulated on various social networks.
According to Lt Col Makhosi Ncube of Empangeni Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offenses Unit, all victims underwent counselling at Zululand Mental Health.
However, one of the victims’ mother said her son was still grappling to come to terms with what happened and was still traumatised
‘It is still difficult for him to go out and play with other kids. This affected him more than we realised,’ she said.
Two older suspects will remain at eSikhaleni police holding cells and the other two were transported to Elsier Place of Safety in Pinetown until the case resumes on 30 June.
