The Galeshewe police are investigating a rape case after a 21-year-old man was apprehended by residents for allegedly raping an 11-year-old girl in Donkerhoek.
THE GALESHEWE police are investigating a rape case after a 21-year-old man was apprehended by residents for allegedly raping an 11-year-old girl in Donkerhoek on Saturday.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam said the suspect is expected to appear in the local magistrate’s court soon.
“The suspect is in police custody and will appear in the Galeshewe Magistrate’s Court soon. The Galeshewe station commander, Brigadier Belinda Rikhotso, commended residents for their vigilance and effort in ensuring safer communities, however, she also urged residents not to take the law into their own hands but to contact the police immediately,” said Sam.
Police investigations are continuing, he added.
Meanwhile, a local organisation that focuses on GBV issues, Northern Cape Crime Against Gender-Based Violence, and its partners have condemned the actions of the community.
The organisation has called on the community to follow legal procedures.
“The community should not take the law into their own hands. There are protocols to follow in terms of the alleged rape incident. The rights of the child were violated during this incident. Any crime is alleged until the person had been found guilty in a court of law. We call on the community to refrain from such violent behaviour,” it said.
The organisation called on law enforcement agencies to act and investigate matters swiftly.
“Neighbourhood watch groups must be reviewed and streamlined under police structures. There is currently only the Community Policing Forum that is recognised as a legal body. We cannot allow and support any illegal structure. The community must end this irrational and illegal behaviour and allow the police to do their job.
“We further call on all units within the police to follow up the matter and investigate this matter. Those who are implicated in this illegal behaviour should be prosecuted,” the organisation added.
