GEORGE NEWS - A man (33) appeared in the George Magistrate's Court on Tuesday 28 November after he was arrested on allegation of sexually assaulting five children between the ages of 7 and 11.
The incident took place at the suspect's house in Thembalethu on Saturday 25 November.
According to Capt Malcolm Pojie, Southern Cape Police spokesperson, the suspect was arrested on Sunday after one of the girls (11) reported the matter to her parents. "The suspect sent the girl to buy a box of matches at a nearby shop while the other girls were playing outside. Upon her return, he called all the girls inside his house and touched their private parts. He also tried to lock the door, but the girl escaped," Pojie.
The case was postponed to 10 January for further investigation.
Pojie has advised parents to always guard their children as cases of child abuse and sexual assault are likely to increase at this time of year. Women are also at greater risk and therefore advised to be careful.
The following safety tips to prevent sexual offence have been advised by the police:
Vulnerability increases
•in dark and deserted places at night;
•if you look vulnerable (e.g. walking alone in desolate areas);
•if you appear uncertain, for example, if you do not know where you are going;
•if you do not lock your car doors and close your windows;
•if you talk to strangers;
•if you stop for stranded vehicles or people; or
•if your vehicle is faulty and you have to stop for help.
Be aware
•Be aware of your surroundings.
•Be alert at traffic lights and stop streets.
•Walk close to the curb and face the on-coming traffic.
•Try and keep to well-lit areas or areas where there are people.
•Do not hitch-hike.
•Do not pick up hitch-hikers.
•Keep a whistle with you - and blow it if you need help.
At home
•Do not allow a stranger into your home, even if he is delivering something or providing a service.
•Ask for an identity document or phone his / her office to check his / her identity.
•Invest in the best locks and security you can afford.
•Never tell anyone that you are alone at home - and make sure the children also know not do so.
•Know your neighbours - and together plan ahead for how you will respond in a crisis.
•Know your local police station - and discuss safety matters with the police.
•Become involved with local crime prevention efforts with the community police forum or police.
On a date
•Do not allow anyone to touch you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable.
•You have the right to say NO!
• Be firm and clear and say NO!
•Do not leave a party or social event with someone you do not know or have just met - say NO!
•Ask friends for help if someone ignores you when you say NO!
•Remember: most rape victims know the rapist.
In a case of rape
•Try not to panic.
•Common sense is your best defence.
•You cannot always defend yourself - your resistance may cause serious injury.
•If the attacker is dangerous, cooperate and try to negotiate.
• Remember, submission is not consent.
•Try and remember what the attacker looks like - his age, race, height, hair colour, scars, tattoos, clothes, voice, jewellery.
•Scream, yell, blow your whistle or run away if you possibly can.
•Do not bath or change your clothes after an attack.
• Keep all the evidence so that it can be used by the police for further investigation.
•Report the crime to the police straight away: go to the police station or phone 10111.
After a rape
Every victim of rape responds differently, but it is likely that you will benefit from help and counselling.
ARTICLE: ZOLANI SINXO, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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