North West Premier Thandi Modise has condemned in the strongest terms possible the alleged rape a 4-year old boy by a repeat juvenile offender who has a pending case for raping a 72 year old granny and called on communities on members of the community to join hands in actively exposing perpetrators of sexual violence against women and children.
The scourge of ape has crossed the gender line because even young boys are being raped. We cannot afford to have our communities living in fear and need to unite in action to name and shame perpetrators.
Enough is enough, said Premier Modise reiterating the message of the 16 Days of Activism on no violence against women, children and people with disabilities launched yesterday in Mahikeng.
The four year old boy was reportedly playing with his friends in Itsoseng near Lichtenburg when a man grabbed him and raped him repeatedly in full view of his friends. It is alleged that he then dragged the four year old into a dilapidated community hall where he continued to rape him.
The terrified boys ran to their mothers to alert them about the incident. It is alleged that when the mother, accompanied by angry residents arrived at the scene, they found the suspect with his pants down raping the boy. The community then started beating the suspect before taking him to Itsoseng Police Station.
We commend the community for playing their part and taking the suspect to the police station instead of taking the law into their own hands. By apprehending the suspect and handing him over to authorities, the communities epitomised the 16 days campaign message "don't look away".
We also call on property owners to either refurbish or demolish dilapidated buildings as it is clear that these places provide ideal nests for criminals, reiterated Modise.
Modise said her administration is committed to making our communities safe for all, adding that it is important that families and communities play their role in protecting children from harm as part of the campaign to end violence against women and children.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele, Spokesperson
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 388 3157
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
