A woman has come forward with harrowing details of repeated sexual assaults over the past two years, including a brutal attack in March 2025 where she was abducted in a taxi, raped, and subjected to further abuse.
The victim, whose identity has been withheld for safety, recounted that the first assault occurred in January 2023 while she was searching for her son. A second attack followed in June of the same year, which she did not report. The third incident took place in 2024 after visiting a friend.
However, the most recent assault has left her traumatized and in chronic pain. In March 2025, she entered a taxi headed to Kenworth but was instead driven to an undisclosed location by the driver and another passenger.
“They dragged me out, raped me, and poured glue on my private parts,” she said, struggling to comprehend the motive behind the cruelty. “I don’t know why they did it, but they did.”
Following the attack, she went missing for days before being found. She now relies on pain medication to cope with both physical and psychological wounds.
Authorities Respond to Hate Crimes Against LGBTQI+ Community
The Mangaung Metro Municipality’s Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Desk has pledged to pursue justice for victims of hate crimes, particularly those targeting the LGBTQI+ community. A representative emphasized that every effort is being made to support survivors and ensure fair legal recourse.
“We ensure that our people are not victimized, isolated, or discriminated against daily,” the official stated. “Justice is non-negotiable—they deserve a fair chance, especially given the trauma they endure.”
The desk also highlighted the psychological toll on survivors, explaining that many experience dissociation—a coping mechanism where victims detach from their bodies to escape the horror of their experiences.
Calls for Stronger Protections
As the victim continues her painful recovery, advocates are urging stricter measures to prevent such attacks and hold perpetrators accountable. The case has reignited discussions about the safety of vulnerable groups, including LGBTQI+ individuals, in public spaces.
