Monday morning saw chaos ensue after a 15-year-old teenager was apprehended by police after allegations of repeated rape were made.
Residents of Bonteheuwel came out in their numbers, asking for the blood of the teenage rape suspect, when police appeared at the home of the 15-year-old, who has been accused of raping eight children, all of whom are believed to be minors.
According to the Daily Voice, one of the residents said, ‘Several family members have been raped and the mother of the suspect is hiding it away, but the community found out about this and they decided to protest in front of the house. They said they don’t want him in the area. There’s a girl in the house who told a friend about this, and this is how people found out.’
Angus McKenzie, the local ward councillor, said that he was made aware of these allegations on Sunday evening and said that these acts of rape and sexual misconduct have been taking place for many years.
‘I want to take the opportunity to applaud the people of Bonteheuwel who took to the streets to protest at the home of the alleged suspect. This is warmly welcoming, knowing that we are achieving great strides in building a community that stands together, fights together and cares together. I further which to highlight that while we have secured an arrest, I want to appeal for calm from our great people of Bonteheuwel. We have also activated the Social Development Department that have placed the children in a place of safety, this is my priority,’ McKenzie said.
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The Department of Social Development said that the necessary psychosocial support and help are being provided to the victims.
Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, the Western Cape Police Spokesperson, said, ‘We can confirm that Bishop Lavis police detained a 15-year-old male on a charge of rape on Monday, March 25, 2024. The suspect is expected to make a court appearance in the Bishop Lavis Magistrate court today, Tuesday, March 26, 2024, on the mentioned charge. We appeal to anyone with information that can assist with the investigation to please call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.’
Angus McKenzie also confirmed the arrest, ‘I can confirm that [Monday] morning all the occupants in the property were removed while the suspect was arrested and charged with rape.’
The 15-year-old suspect has decided against bail and will remain in custody at the Pollsmoor Prison juvenile facility.
McKenzie ended off by saying, ‘I want to appeal to the Bonteheuwel community to remain calm at this time. We will follow this case at every hearing, and we will ensure there is justice for the victims of this horrendous crime.’
‘This individual has brought huge pain to innocent children and great shame to our community. We will not grow weary in ensuring justice, we have done it before, and we will do it again.’
The matter has been postponed until April 9.
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Picture: SAPS