A member of the 26s gang accused of raping a 17-year-old girl from Ravensmead has been released after the State dropped all charges against him, despite DNA evidence and video footage.
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Rafiq du Pont (43) claims his life has been ruined after engaging in consensual sex with the teenager.
A resident of Mitchells Plain and a father, du Pont asserts he was unaware of the girl’s age.
According to the Daily Voice, in September 2022, residents of Ravensmead assembled at Bellville Magistrate’s Court and threatened violence if du Pont was granted bail.
During the proceedings, Constable Chante Klein, the investigating officer, informed the court that Du Pont had eluded arrest and was discovered hiding beneath a car at his mother-in-law’s residence in Mitchells Plain.
According to the girl’s statement, she attended a party on 30 April where she consumed drinks. Allegedly, Du Pont offered her a drink, but after feeling unwell, she opted to walk home.
She recounted that he approached her in his vehicle and offered to drive her home, to which she agreed. However, she then lost consciousness and woke up the following day at a lodge in Bellville.
Upon waking, she discovered she was naked and had sustained vaginal injuries. She subsequently informed her mother about the incident, and together they reported it to the police station, resulting in the opening of a rape case. A medical examination (J88) confirmed she had suffered vaginal tears.
Du Pont’s lawyer, Sameer Sayeed, argued that due to a knee injury sustained in a botched hijacking, his client was physically incapable of committing rape or kidnapping. Despite this, Du Pont’s bail request was denied.
After spending nearly two years in custody, Du Pont appeared in Parow Regional Court earlier this year, where he was informed that all charges against him were being withdrawn. Sayeed cited DNA reports indicating the presence of two other individuals besides Du Pont from swabs taken from the girl as contributing to the withdrawal of charges.
Explaining the decision, Sayeed stated, ‘The State withdrew on the basis that there were no prospects of proving the elements of rape beyond a reasonable doubt, especially given the complainant’s intoxicated state as indicated in her statement.’
Du Pont maintained his innocence, stating, ‘When I arrived at the party, they were all intoxicated. I was unaware she was 17, and they all presented themselves as older women.’
He further explained, ‘I am relieved that the DNA tests suggest others could have caused the injuries. While I admit to having consensual sex with her without using protection, I never raped her.’
Reflecting on the consequences of his actions, Du Pont admitted, ‘I was foolish to engage in extramarital affairs. I lost my wife and my entire life pursuing younger women, and I still ended up in prison.’
He concluded with a cautionary note, advising, ‘My advice to married men is to steer clear of relationships with younger women.’
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Picture: Brenton Geach / Gallo Images