Huge support for assault suspects

GEORGE NEWS - A group of Thembalethans from Robben Island informal settlement picketed in front of the court on Wednesday night, 5 January, demanding that two residents of the neighbourhood suspected of assaulting an alleged rapist, be released.

The two suspects were to appear in the Thembalethu Magistrate's Court on Thursday 6 January.

Reinforcements from the Public Order Police were dispatched to the court when the group started gathering at 20:00. They dispersed peacefully two hours later, but were back on Thursday morning.

Their assault case was not put on the roll and both men were released after spending the night in custody.

A spokesperson for the crowd, Mzimkhulu Mabozo, said the two men (29 and 30 years old) were being accused of assaulting an alleged rapist who lives in Robben Island.

"We do not want the man to live in our area and we want to know for sure that he had appeared in court before he was released," said Mabozo.

Southern Cape police spokesperson Sgt Chris Spies confirmed the arrest of a 25-year-old suspect on a charge of rape.

"(His arrest) follows after an alleged violation of a victim at Zone 6 on 29 December. The accused was scheduled to appear in court on 4 January. Furthermore, it is alleged that a group of people threatened and assaulted this suspect. They also damaged his property. The case led to the arrest of two suspects on charges of assault with the intent to commit grievous bodily harm and malicious damage to property.

"George Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit is investigating the matter. The investigation into the rape allegations continues."

Spies said Eden Cluster Police management strongly condemn the unlawful actions and vigilante attacks which could have serious consequences. "Vigilante attacks, as well as unlawfulness, will not be tolerated. We urge the community to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

"The police will not hesitate to take decisive action against persons involved in vigilantism. Investigators should be given the necessary space to investigate any matter without fear, favour or prejudice. Those found on the wrong side of the law will be arrested and brought to book."

Thembalethans picketing at the Thembalethu court on Thursday 6 January.
Photos: Alida de Beer