Residents share personal stories of abuse

KHAYELITSHA residents told of their experiences with violence against women and children when civil rights organisation Ilitha Labantu hosted the #OneTooManySA motorcade yesterday.

The organisation, advocating against violence perpetrated on women and children, collaborated with the police from Khayelitsha, Site B police station, the Department of Social Services and civil society.

Residents signed a petition at the #OneTooManySA motorcade calling for harsh sentences for those behind the crimes on women and children.

Among community members was a resident whose health changed drastically after her child, 14, was raped twice. The mother said her child was lured by two men on her way from school and raped.

“She was raped again by teenage boys who live in the same street as us.

“I had to move her to the Eastern Cape. She lives there with my sister and wants nothing to do with Cape Town. What broke me was that the perpetrators’ parents hid their children when they were wanted by the police.

“This has damaged my life and my child’s life,” she said.

Ilitha Labantu spokesperson Siyabulela Monakali said: “We are here because of the burning issues of domestic violence and violence on children in the community of Khayelitsha.

“The organisation has been requested by the residents to render its services here in Gugulethu and nearby areas, because of an increased number of incidents. Early next year we will be opening an office in the community.”

Site B police sector commander Ntandazo Mncanca said: “We are begging communities to be united and put their foot down when it comes to crime and violence. Do not keep quiet and say your neighbour’s problem is none of your business. People don’t understand that they can intervene by getting a protection order on behalf of the victim and you don’t have to be a family member to be able to get it.

“Recently, a 7-year-old girl was raped and the mother did not report it because the families chose the ‘cultural way’ – talking about it and reaching an agreement,” Mncanca said.

Bishop Zamuxolo Mfihlo of the Apostolic Amen Church in Gugulethu called on churches not to hide incidents of rape and sexual assaults when reported by victims.