Cape Town – A 30-year-old male is due to appear in the Bishop Lavis Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, after he allegedly raped a mother of two.
Ward councillor Angus McKenzie said the 28-year-old victim was at a social event with friends in Bonteheuwel, yesterday.
“In the early hours of Sunday a young mother was out enjoying herself in the company of friends, and was violently raped.
“I was immediately contacted and able to immediately access the SAPS and Western Cape Family Violence and Child Protection (FSC) service who speedily ensured that the victim was transported to a health facility, and the perpetrator arrested.
“As a community we will oppose bail; in fact in all gender-based violence (GBV) cases we oppose bail. No person that hurts our mothers and children deserves bail.
“I want to reiterate that no women must feel intimidated to speak up. I am there to listen, I am there to act and I am there to ensure we stop GBV and bring those responsible to book,” he said.
A family member of the victim, who wanted to remain anonymous, said “GBV is disgusting and wrong.”
“The perpetration of this act towards my family member must have the full might of the law thrown against the perpetrator. We as a family do not want this man out on the streets, and he should not get bail at all.
“As a nation and community, we are not going to overcome GBV because of the scandal people place out there, and they victimise the victims even more, which makes victims not want to speak out.
“People should have more respect towards issues like this,” said the family member.
Police spokesperson, Captain FC van Wyk, confirmed that a rape case was reported to Bishop Lavis police for investigation.
“According to reports, the incident occurred on Sunday at about 12.15am. A 30-year-old male was arrested and charged in the abovementioned case (a rape case). The suspect is due to appear in the Bishop Lavis Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday,” Van Wyk said.