More trauma over rapist’s release

The community of Komani and the Eastern Cape at large will recall the case of an old man, Zanele Qashani of Zone 2, Ezibeleni, who raped six girls aged five to 10.

To our amazement the rapist was released about a week ago without the knowledge or consent of the rape survivors or their next of kin.

This has engendered horrendous emotions among the victims because the system failed them.

This has become the norm in SA where the law considers the wellbeing of the perpetrator more than the victims.

According to the

Constitution and Victims’ Bill of Rights, the victim has a right to information before such steps are taken, and if he/she disputes such a recommendation, may do so before the perpetrator is released. Due process did not happen. One sees the rapist living a normal life as if nothing had happened.

What about the innocent souls whose rights have been violated but have no closure?

Not even the social workers had prepared them emotionally or mentally for such an unexpected event. Is this the kind of government we voted for? What is it that we are annually celebrating on

Freedom Day?

Is the law promoting such incidents to continue?

In the end poor, disadvantaged children will resort to drugs, become murderers or prostitutes, they will not cope at school and portray vindictive behaviour.

As law-abiding citizens, we deserve to know how and why.

Even the highest body of the law, if it has given such orders, must explain to South Africans before it is too late.

So communities resort to taking the law into their hands ... because the system is failing us dismally.