Cape teenager to appear in court after alleged rape of eight-year-old girl

Another case of gender-based violence has been recorded after a 17-year-old teenager is expected to appear in court on 18 November, after allegedly raping an eight-year-old girl in a house in Parkwood, Cape Town on Wednesday 13 November 2019. 

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the circumstances surrounding the alleged rape incident occurred at a house in Eric Viljoen Street in Parkwood last Wednesday around 19:20. 

SAPS spokesperson, Siyabulela Malo said the victim is just eight-years-old and was allegedly raped by a 17-year-old teenager. 

“A case of rape has been opened for investigation. The male suspect was arrested and is expected to make a court appearance today for the mentioned charges,” said Malo. 

Community Policing Forum on rape incident

According to EWN, the local Community Policing Forum’s Philip Bam said the girl’s mother apparently found the teenager raping her daughter.

“The family is very upset. They tried to sort out this man, but they did not harm him too much. This is unfortunate and says a lot about the values we have left,” Bam said. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa on gender-based violence 

On 5 September 2019, President Cyril Ramaphosa released a statement about the wave of gender-based violence in South Africa. 

“Over the past few days, our country has been deeply traumatised by acts of extreme violence perpetrated by men against women and children.

This came after the brutal rape and murders of UCT student, Uyinene Mrwetyana and UWC student, Jesse Hess and many others. 

“We know the names of Uyinene Mrwetyana, Leighandre Jegels, Janika Mallo, Ayakha Jiyane and her three little siblings, but we also grieve for many others who have died at the hands of men,” added Ramaphosa. 

What is being done to combat abuse, rape and murder?

Cyril listed some of the changes that would be implemented to help combat gender-based violence like rape, murder and abuse. Some of the changes included more Sexual Offences Courts and to modernise the national register of gender-based violence offenders. 

“We have established 92 dedicated Sexual Offences Courts since 2013, with a further 11 to be opened this financial year to improve conviction rates and provide comprehensive and appropriate support services to ensure survivors of sexual offences are not subject to further trauma,” said Ramaphosa. 

“I will ask Parliament to consider amending the legislation to make the register public. I will propose to Cabinet that all crimes against women and children should attract harsher minimum sentences,” added Ramaphosa. 

16 Days of Activism 

The campaign, 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls like rape and murder. It runs every year from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day.