Sadness at rape of disabled woman

Boys ‘caught red-handed’, mental health body calls for swift prosecution of six minors allegedly involved

DISABILITY activist groups said they were deeply saddened and angered following the rape of a mentally ill woman, allegedly by six minors who have since been released into parental custody.

This after the boys were set to appear at the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday only for National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila to say the matter had not been placed on the roll as the investigation was still continuing.

The boys, from Parkwood, were reportedly caught red-handed in

Southfield on Friday.

One of the boys apparently admitted the group had stalked the woman as she walked home from a shop, before dragging her into bushes.

They were caught by armed response security guards.

Cape Mental Health spokesperson Dylan Oktober said the details of the crime were “particularly disturbing and concerning”.

“Our justice system mandates that the boys, who are minors, return to the custody of their parents.

“We understand that in light of the current pandemic, this has forced legal bodies to revert to alternative measures other than keeping individuals in custody, where the risk of infection might be high.

“However, this does not detract from the severity of the crime and we advocate for the swift prosecution of the minors, resulting in a fair and just outcome. In light of rampant gender-based violence in our country, we need to actively address this scourge that is plaguing our society,” Oktober said.

Disability Information South Africa (DiSA) executive director Alan Downey said it was “saddened and disgusted” to hear about the attack and subsequent release of the minors into parental custody.

“DiSA condemns all acts of violence and crimes against humanity, especially against women, children and persons with disabilities (PWD).

“We are very disappointed at the release of these boys into their parent’s custody. It demonstrates the double standards that are evident in society when it comes to abuse and disablism, which is happening every day to many PWDs.

“In our opinion, PWDs in general are not afforded the same degree of respect and protection that most members of society are, in South Africa and around the world,” Downey said.

He added that if the case was not dealt with timeously the justice system would fail not only the survivor, her caregivers and family, but also society in general.

Parkwood Community Police Forum spokesperson Philip Bam said:“There is so much trauma in the community at the moment, but this kind of behaviour speaks to parenting problems and lack of influence.”

Police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana said a case of rape had been opened for investigation by the Wynberg FCS and the boys, aged between 13 and 16, were “being processed according to the Child Justice Act”.

“The reported incident happened in the jurisdiction of the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court. The boys will appear at that court,” Ntabazalila said.