Perpetrators of sexual crimes attack defenceless victims whom they manipulate and brainwash. It is also a known fact that most of the perpetrators are known to the victims, and for various reasons these victims live in silence whilst trying to deal with these horrific incidents.
The SAPS conduct awareness campaigns in the hope that victims will break their silence and report these heinous crimes. In 2018 an Awareness Campaign on abuse was conducted at a school and this helped to a victim to “break her silence” and revealed how she had been raped by her father, who was supposed to protect her against harm. The Department of Education contacted the local SAPS who opened a docket for investigation.
The incidents started in 2017 and continued at a farm where the family lived. During the hearing the court heard how the victim was repeatedly raped and at one stage the mother witnessed the incident and did not alert the authorities.
The 48 year old man was dealt with a double life imprisonment at Grahamstown High Court on the 2nd May 2019. Investigating Officer Sgt Xolani Witbooi sacrificed many hours during the investigation and successfully opposed bail until the case was finalised.
Queenstown Cluster Commander Major General Funeka Siganga congratulated the investigating officer and said,” we understand the complexity of the investigation and the challenges that you encountered. In seeking justice for this little victim, you have also assisted in her healing. Continue to assist other victims who are going through the same fate. We extend our profound thanks to the prosecution team who have worked with the victim and the investigating officer. A successful prosecution can only be achieved through teamwork,” she added.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
