Muizenberg residents gathered outside court on Monday as community members and supporters turned out in solidarity with the family at the centre of a three-year-old rape case, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The scene formed part of a wider response to the arrest of a man accused of raping a three-year-old girl in the Capricorn policing precinct.
The earlier report said the suspect had already appeared in court and had been remanded in custody pending further legal proceedings.
Community leader Mymoena Scholtz wrote on the Muizenberg Notice Board public group that it was an ‘emotional day facing the rapist at Court today’. She said the group was unhappy that the hearing had been scheduled so late and said one of the leaders spoke to police and the judge to bring it forward.
‘The community rallied together,’ she wrote, adding that many people left their plans in place to support the family. ‘Together we are stronger,’ Scholtz said.
The gathering reflected the grief and resolve felt across the area, with supporters showing up to stand beside the family and demand accountability.
Ward Councillor Mandy Marr expressed gratitude to all those involved, ‘Thank you to Nonkosi Fodo, Mymoena Scholtz, Where Rainbows Meet Training and Development Foundation, Avril and Living Hope for standing by these families and for being pillars of the Vrygrond community always.’
The Muizenberg Community Policing Forum urged people to report sexual crimes involving children immediately and to use Crime Stop or the MySAPS app to share anonymous tips.
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Picture: Mymoena Scholtz / Facebook
