GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - A man (49) from George whose identity cannot be published due to the nature of the charges against him, will make his next appearance in the Mossel Bay Magistrate's Court on Tuesday 2 April.
This follows his arrest last year where he was charged with raping a minor girl in the Great Brak River area in 2020.
He appeared in court the same day on mentioned charge and was denied bail. The case was registered with the Great Brak police station and is currently under investigation with the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit in Mossel Bay.
While it could not be confirmed by the police, it is believed that the accused was involved in a romantic relationship with the victim's mother at the time of the alleged incident.
It is also believed that there are other victims in George who were sexually assaulted by the man between 2019 and 2021.
The source spoke of three alleged victims between the ages of 13 and 15 years. Two of the mothers of these victims were allegedly involved in romantic relationships with the accused.
Southern Cape police spokesperson Sgt Chris Spies confirmed the case investigated by the Mossel Bay FCS, but could confirm only one case opened against the man in George.
"Reports available indicate that a rape case was opened during September 2023. Investigation into this matter is finalised and the docket was sent to the National Prosecuting Authority for a decision to prosecute or otherwise," he said.
Help is available
There is always help for victims of sexual abuse and gender-based violence (GBV), but sadly, victims are sometimes scared to report incidents to the police.
However, the law is there to protect them and they can obtain a protection order or lay criminal charges against their perpetrators.
Local organisations who can assist are:
- God Cares International: 072 301 9767
- Phambili Refuge Centre: 044 875 1551
- Thuthuzela Care Centre: 044 802 4429
Thuthuzela also established a WhatsApp victim empowerment line where a victim can reach out, ask questions, get information and book sessions with counsellors. Make use of this line on 060 870 3210.
There are many ways they can also help the court to ensure that the abuse does not happen. If cases keep on being retracted, there will be no end to the abuse.
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