Activists report that five girls are raped every day in the Western Cape

In Cape Town, activists who carefully track rape statistics have uncovered a shocking reality: every day, five women and girls are victims of rape in the Western Cape. A staggering 1,909 cases were reported to police between January and April this year.

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Among these harrowing incidents, one stands out for its sheer horror: a young girl allegedly suffered sexual abuse at the hands of her attacker, who reportedly tattooed his name on her private parts before subjecting her to further violence by sticking a deodorant bottle inside. To protect the privacy and dignity of this 16-year-old victim, his identity is being withheld.

This horrific attack occurred on April 23, 2024 and was carried out by a 37-year-old man who, shockingly, was on parole at the time and remains at large. Police Minister Bheki Cele’s release of third-quarter crime statistics in February revealed another worrying aspect: 4,783 suspects were arrested for sexual offenses including rape and attempted rape.

Zona Morton, a courageous whistleblower and crime activist, highlighted a disturbing trend in which victims under the age of 10 are being targeted by predators and highlighted the urgent need for action to address this alarming pattern.

“The scourge of rape against children under 10 is bordering on a pandemic,” she said.

“At least five children are raped every day in the province. A specific case of a teenage girl who was repeatedly kidnapped and raped for ten months while the serial rapist tattooed his name on her genitals and also abused her with a deodorant can.

“This child molester was convicted against his name in 2007 and 2013.”

“Why was he able to rape and torture another minor in less than 14 years since his first reported rape?”

“As a human rights defender, I am appalled that this perpetrator is now not being held accountable.”

Christina Nomdo, the Western Cape Commissioner for Children, noted that impoverished households where abuse and social problems thrive are a major contributor to the alarming statistics. She expressed sadness at the prevalence of violence in the childhood of many South Africans, including in the Western Cape.

“Tackling this problem requires targeted interventions that address underlying factors such as poverty, inequality and the resulting negative forces that disrupt childhood.”

“The Children’s Commissioner continually emphasizes the need for collective and individual responsibility to put an end to the violence.”

“However, the Commissioner is not the frontline service provider when it comes to combating violence against children.”

“Frontline services, such as the police and the Ministry of Social Development’s child protection system, must do their job well to respond when children are hurt.”

“Activists should hold communities and frontline services accountable to do their best.”

The Department of Social Development stressed that combating gender-based violence is a top priority for its staff.

“In 2021, a provincial GBV implementation plan was adopted by the Western Cape Cabinet and a cross-departmental work team was appointed to lead its implementation, including the establishment of six new shelters for victims of gender-based violence (all of which can also accommodate members of the LGBTQIA+). Community),” said DSD.

“A total of 25 shelters for gender-based violence are now funded by the province.

“As of 2019, over 21,000 people per year receive psychosocial support from Thuthuzela Care Centers and DSD-supported gender-based violence shelters.

“A total of nine Thuthuzela centers are operating across the Western Cape, with the center at Victoria Hospital having been expanded and expansion of the Stellenbosch center underway.”

Felicity Roland, an activist and rape survivor, said victims often failed to report cases to police because officers lacked sufficient training.

“We heard about a police officer who allegedly raped a woman who attended the academy,” she said.

“He was supposed to be her tutor, but he locked the door and allegedly raped her.”

“She was interviewed as a victim, which is why it took several days for her to press charges against him.” “How can we ask a rape survivor such questions?”

“It is very difficult for a victim to advocate for a cause, you are going through a trauma and you have to have the courage.”

“When you open a case, it is like being raped again because there are not all the resources and staff who know how to deal with these victims.”

“We hope the system changes because once a perpetrator is arrested, they are released due to lack of evidence.”

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