Residents try to lynch ‘child rapist’
ON THE eve of the launch of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, Kensington residents took matters into their own hands when they tried to assault a man who allegedly attempted to rape a minor.
Police used rubber bullets and stun grenades to disperse a group of angry residents on Saturday. Five police vehicles were damaged. The incident happened as South Africans were gearing up to join the world in commemorating International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls yesterday.
Minister of Women in the Presidency Bathabile Dlamini launched the campaign, which runs until December 10, themed #HearMeToo.
During Saturday’s protest, Kensington residents tried to lynch the 46-yearold man believed to be a family friend of the 15-year-old. Her parents could not be reached for comment. Ward 56 councillor Helen Jacobs said the man from Mitchells Plain had visited the family. She said the man was bathing in a Wendy house when he called the child to help him wash his back.
“The man apparently turned around and started touching his private parts. He came for the child and cornered her. The girl screamed in fear and ran out. Her older sister arrived when he was starting (to put on) his pants and called for help.” Jacobs said the child’s sister called the residents while her aunt blocked the man from escaping.
“That is when angry residents came for the man, but police responded quickly and were struggling to take the man out of the house. As a councillor I understand their frustration.
“However, I cannot condone the behaviour of trying to take the law into their own hands. I am ensuring that the family gets counselling, especially the child who had also collapsed.”
Police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana said cases of sexual assault, public violence and malicious damage to property were opened for investigation.
“About 400 people wanted to assault the suspect and police responded. Police took action to disperse the community members, who threw stones and damaged five police vehicles.”
The suspect will appear in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court today.
Meanwhile, enraged Langa residents will send a letter of grievance to a station commander today after a man they allege molested two 4-year-olds in separate incidents was still staying in the same yard as the victims. The letter will also include how three community leaders, including a mother of one of the children, were charged with housebreaking, trespassing and theft.
The leaders were at the forefront when chasing the 46-year-old old man and his wife out of their home.
The situation escalated when he was released from police custody two days after the incident without the residents being informed. Police said there was insufficient evidence to hold him.
The first alleged incident was in September and the second on November 17.