Rape cases on the rise

Victims urged to speak out

The cover provided by darkness during winter is making criminals bolder, resulting in an increase in reported rape cases during the months of May and June. This is according to Lifeline director Sinikiwe Biyela.

“It gets dark early during winter. People wait in long queues in taxi ranks for their taxis. When they get to their area it’s dark and they walk long distances to their homes, which puts them at high risk,” said Biyela.

“Several women have enquired about defence courses. They have indicated a great need to protect themselves as they fear for their lives.”

She also reminded people about the importance of speaking out.

“The cycle of rape will not stop on its own; the victim needs to speak. We want to encourage victims to report abuse and to get counselling.”

Police spokesperson Sergeant Sifiso Gwala confirmed an increase in the number of rape cases reported recently.

However, Saps attributes this increase to the awareness programmes held by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit at the Royal Agricultural Show this May, as well as in city schools recently, encouraging victims to speak out.

A rape survivor recalled the trauma of being raped by a trusted man from her neighbourhood, when she was eight years old.

“I used to respect him as an elderly person. He used to build houses and was well-known around my area. He was building a house for my extended family and used to call me and give me chips,” said the 31-year-old victim, who cannot be named to protect her identity.

“On the day of the first incident, he told me to fetch chips inside the house that he was building. I went in without realising what could happen. He said whatever he is going to do to me, I should not tell anyone about it. He started undressing me and raped me. I didn’t know what was happening. I felt pain.”

She added that after he raped her, she was given chips and told not to tell anyone. The victim said she was raped twice that year, in the same house by that person.

“The second time, he raped me until I bled. He told me not to tell anyone. I was raped by him three times when I was young. As the years went by, the suspect kept on complimenting me on how grown up and beautiful I have become.”

She said last year, the suspect ambushed her while on her way home and took her to the nearest forest and raped her again.

“This led me to take a stand and report this. I wanted to a long time ago, but it was difficult. This has affected me in many ways growing up. It was hard for me to concentrate at school. It is still hard for me to sleep at night. It is imperative to report such cases to put a stop to it,” she said.

Reporting the rape led to the perpetrator being charged and arrested.

Sergent Gwala stressed the importance of people speaking up to break the cycle of abuse.

“Even elderly people have been coming forward. When it comes to conviction, these cases don’t speed up as they are not the same as the ones reported within the 72-hour period. We encourage victims to report such cases. Even if this happened a long time ago, report it. We are grateful to see people speaking out as we don’t want these cases to be hidden under the carpet,” said Gwala.

He added that the increase in rape cases sends a message that people are tired of the circle of rape. “If perpetrators are not prosecuted for their actions they will continue. Hence, they are destroying the victim’s future, especially children. Reporting will help to put a stop to this.”