Rapists target young children

GEORGE NEWS - Zone 8 is one of the areas most plagued by incidents of rape in Thembalethu.

More than 42 rape cases have been reported between April and July this year. At least 31% are children aged 11 to 15, the age group that is affected most.

Attendees learnt this, among other rape statistcs, at an Anti-Rape Campaign hosted by the Thembalethu Police on Wednesday 30 August. Residents joined a number of stakeholders at the All Brick Hall for the campaign held to increase awareness of this scourge in our communities.

The event was organised by Thembalethu Police Station Communications Officer, Capt Dumile Gwavu.

Stakeholders that had been invited were Family Violence, the Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS), the Community Policing Forum (CPF), Ithemba Lobomi, Thuthuzela Centre, Pastor Saleni of the Ministers' Fraternal, Thembalethu Police Station Youth Desk, George Youth Café and George Youth Office.

Sgt Denzil Ntwana brought the audience up to date with the statistics for Thembalethu. Between April and July this year, 42 rape cases were reported in Thembalethu, with 38 female victims and four male victims. Arrests were made in 31 of these cases.

"Zone 8 is one of the areas hit hardest, with seven rape cases reported in the area," said Ntwana. "That is why we decided to come here for the Anti-Rape Awareness Campaign.

"We urge the community to report rape and not to be afraid to report rape incidents, so that rape victims, and our young children, can be protected, with them being targeted mostly by the perpetrators."

CPF executive member William Stanford urged the community to speak out, and pointed out that women are not the only victims of rape, but also men.

"Women and men must come out and report the incidents, and not be ashamed or embarrassed.

"They must also not withdraw their charges or give incomplete information. It makes no sense that people say the police do not do their job when the community fails to report incidents or give the necessary information when the police do follow-ups."

Eden Cluster Commander Maj-Gen Oswald Reddy also encouraged victims of rape to come forward and report the perpetrators, so that the police can do the necessary investigation and put them behind bars.

"When you are victimised, you need to call us so that we can do everything we can to make sure you are safe.