KZN mother refuses ‘blood money’ cattle from rapist

A Bergville rape victim’s mother has refused an offer of “blood money” from her daughter’s alleged rapist after attempts were made persuade her to withdraw the case against him.

The suspect allegedly raped the 18-year-old first year university student on 18 July 2021 in the eThunzini area of KwaKhwela’s Emmaus near Bergville.  The perpetrator allegedly dragged her to a nearby forest where the alleged rape took place. 

The girl informed her family and the rape was immediately reported to the police, who allegedly refused to arrest the alleged rapist regardless of community intervention to point out his hiding place.

KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza, who visited the family on Thursday to obtain details the regarding progress on the matter, listened as the distraught  victim’s mother spoke of the rape and how she was persuaded her to withdraw the rape case and instead accept cattle as ‘blood money’.

“I had assigned my daughter to town and on her return she was attacked. She was dragged into the forest by the rapist who threatened her with a knife and assaulting her. She was badly injured, resulting in her teeth being knocked out before being raped. I often blame myself for sending her to town because she would have been safe if she stayed at home,” she said. 

The mother of the rape victim said her family had been receiving threats after her refusal to withdraw the case.  

“Police were not forthcoming in this case until yesterday when they heard that the MECs were coming to the area. We only heard now that the alleged perpetrator was arrested. We are grateful to those who got involved to ensure the matter received attention,” she said. 

She added that she was more hurt that the local traditional leader, induna and the mother of the alleged rapist had visited her homestead to negotiate payment of cattle to settle the matter. 

 “It is an insult to me and my children. I would not have allowed that to happen.” 

Women in the area told MEC Khoza that they feared for their lives as the most of them stayed alone with their children while their husbands were at work in the city. 

“Women and children are not safe. We cannot even sleep at night because the mother of the victim often receives threats. We need help,” one resident said.

Khoza said that although she was distressed by the incident, she was encouraged by the bravery shown by the victim’s mother.  

“Rape cases are prevalent in this area. It is very disappointing to learn that police drag their feet when in dealing with such matters.  However, we have been informed that the alleged perpetrator was arrested last night,” Khoza said. 

She said no one would be tolerated for allowing the abuse of women and children to take place.  

“It is an insult that a person can rape and offer to pay for ‘damages’ with cattle. This is not our culture, but criminality, that will not be tolerated.  Our team of social workers will remain with the child to provide psychosocial support to her and the family.  What is also important is to ensure the perpetrator pays for his sins.” 

Khoza was also informed about another rape case of a 16-year-old girl by business person, who allegedly offered the family R4 000 for the withdrawal of the case.  

“It is very disappointing that during Women’s Month we have to deal with these incidents.  We need to stand up and expose the criminals who destroy the future of our children.” 

Mayor of Uthukela District Municipality, Siphiwe Mazibuko, said it was hurtful to learn that women were abused by men who were supposed to protect them. 

“The father of the 18-year-old victim also abdicated his responsibility of taking care of his children. We don’t want such kind of men in our society,” he said.