The issue of rape in the world today has raised a lot of concern. Recently, a five-year-old girl who was allegedly raped on Sunday, led police to her 49-year-old alleged rapist. This was confirmed by the South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) who is working really hard to make sure that justice is served.
Reports confirmed that the little girl has been sexually abused severally by the same man. Many South Africans were happy with the girl’s confidence and incredible courage by “breaking the silence” on her alleged rape.
In addition, Sanco spokesperson Jabu Mahlangu said in a statement that breaking the silence is the best thing a child could do if sexually abused:
“Breaking the silence disarms the perpetrator and shatters the mask behind which he is a threatening beast to be exposed as a coward and a weakling that threatens the most vulnerable in our society.”
It was revealed to reporters that the girl was raped near Kapteinsklip Station in Rocklands, Mitchells Plain. Western Cape police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana said that the 49-year-old suspect is expected to appear in the Mitchell’s Plain Magistrate’s court “once charged”.
It was further confirmed that the man was allegedly well acquainted with the victim which made it easier to frequently sexually harass her. Also, in a statement on Monday, the Mitchells Plain Crisis Forum strongly condemned the incident:
“The fact that the victim is so young speaks of the absolute disregard and lack of humanity. The fact that he knows the child and her family paint a disturbing picture of how calculated these perpetrators are.”
According to a survey conducted by the Medical Research Council, a rape occurs every 17 seconds in South Africa. One in two women admit to being raped, one in four men admit to having raped someone and one in seven men admit to being part of a gang rape. Three in four men said they perpetrate violence against women.
Also, a United Nations statistical report compiled from government sources showed that more than 250,000 cases of rape or attempted rape were recorded by police annually. The reported data covered 65 countries. Rap and other sexual assaults are commonly available in industrialized countries, and are becoming more common throughout the world.
Finally, the issue of rape is not solely particular to South Africa, most countries around the world are guilty of this crime. However, government officials in South Africa urge parents to assist their children speak out against any crime that hurts them amidst all threats.
