Man arrested for rape of teen
KNYSNA – A 28-year-old man was arrested last week after he allegedly raped a 14-year-old girl, who is believed to be his partner's niece, according to police reports.
The man was arrested by police officers of the George Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual offences (FCS) unit that also serves the Knysna precinct, Southern Cape police spokesperson Cpt Malcolm Pojie confirmed. “It is alleged that the victim (14), her aunt and friends were drinking at a residence in Knysna until about 21:00 when everyone left and she and her aunt went to sleep (“tiep”) as they were apparently considerably intoxicated,” Pojie said.
“It is further alleged that the aunt's boyfriend came back later and made remarks towards the victim whereafter he forced her into the bathroom where he raped her. She cried and attracted the attention of her aunt. The suspect was subsequently arrested and is still in custody, pending a formal bail application.”
Specialist detectives of the George FCS are making concerted efforts to ensure that perpetrators of sexual offences are brought to book. A total of six suspects aged between 19 and 58 were arrested in this regard in the Garden Route District last week.
“The Garden Route District Commissioner, Maj-Gen Norman Modishana, has expressed his grave concern about the young ages of the victims of sexual offences as well as the abuse of liquor that is associated with these kind of scenarios,” Pojie said.
“He urged the public, especially our most vulnerable such as women and children, to be vigilant at all times and to report suspicious people and activities to the police.
“He also advised that they must refrain from visiting places of entertainment late at night without reliable friends or a designated sober driver to take them safely home after the event.”
The Western Cape Police management has commended the FCS unit for their efforts to bring these perpetrators and those who partake in planned activities to book.
“GBVF remains a priority for police and all efforts are being made to eradicate this scourge which threatens the safety of our most vulnerable communities,” Pojie said.