Residents protest outside court in support of teenage rape victim

Community members from Mount Ayliff and surrounding areas protested outside the Mount Ayliff Magistrate’s Court in support of the girl (15) who was raped over Easter weekend.

The suspect (23) briefly appeared before the Mount Ayliff Magistrate’s Court today on charges of rape and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Luxolo Tyali, confirmed that the case was postponed to May 5 for formal bail application.

“He was remanded in custody,” said Tyali.

It is alleged that on Good Friday, April 15 the victim was on her way home when she was dragged to a nearby forest by the suspect where she was raped.

It is also alleged that he stabbed her on her upper body numerous times and her eyes gouged out, which resulted in her losing her sight.

She was helped by a passer-by, who called family members and the ambulance, which transported her to a nearby hospital to receive medical attention.

The suspect was positively linked to this case and arrested in Mount Ayliff on Thursday, April 21.

Activist and member of the South African Royal Princesses Network, Princess Nolly Kafu, said they decided to go to court to support the family. 

“Even though we cannot take away the pain, we always make sure that we support them. We are even doing campaigns to raise awareness about Gender Based Violence,” said Kafu.

The aunt of the victim (her name could not be published in order to protect the identity of the victim) said they were very happy to see people giving them such support.

She said they don’t know the suspect. “He is known by the local members,” the aunt said.

“I can confirm that the victim is getting better every day, but she is still traumatised and doesn’t want to be asked many questions.”

She added that the teenager has asked for privacy once she returns home in order to process the ordeal.