Family friend arrested in connection with rape
A WOMAN suspected of orchestrating the gang rape of a 13-year-old girl from oGobandlovu has been arrested and is due to appear for a bail hearing at eSikhawini Magistrate's Court today (Thursday).
She was arrested last Thursday after a warrant of arrest was issued by the court during the appearance of the two men charged with the rape, which occurred in March.
Reportedly a close friend of the victim's family, the woman is suspected of luring the girl to her rental cottage in eDiphini area, where she was sexually assaulted through the night by the two men.
The men were arrested after the victim identified them as her abusers who had locked her in a rental cottage and threatened her at knife point.
On the day of the incident, the girl had apparently left home in oGobandlovu with two other teenage girls to find weekend work at a nearby flea market, where they met the family friend.
Reports suggest the victim was last seen with her at a nearby flea market, and was found in her home.
For over a month, oGobandlovu residents have been pleading with the police to make a swift arrest.
‘They must lock her up and never give her bail. She must just bring back my baby’s clothes she was wearing on the day. I want them back,’ cried the victim’s mother.
Last Thursday, the community, supported by various civil society organisations including members of the KZN premier’s office, flocked to court with placards and messages of support for the family.
‘We are not only supporting the family, but also sending a message that we won’t allow things like this to continue in our society.
‘We are ready to fight for our victim and others without a voice, and we just need police to work hard to bring everyone involved to book, and they must be prosecuted,’ said King Cetshwayo Civil Society deputy chairperson, Simphiwe Gumede.
The case of the two men will be back in court on Tuesday, 25 May.