NC Professional Progressive Forum calls for rape suspect to be denied bail
THE NORTHERN Cape Professional Progressive Forum (PPF) has called for bail to be denied to a foreign national who allegedly raped a 17-year-old girl in Ritchie on the weekend.
The suspect has been arrested and was scheduled to appear in court on Monday on a charge of rape.
The provincial convener of the PPF, Gregory Nyongane, alleged that the girl had been repeatedly raped by the suspect and was also forced to have an abortion.
“She was previously raped by the same suspect in a brutal manner and will not be safe if the suspect is released on bail. She fell pregnant after she was raped the first time and had to have an abortion. The suspect must not be considered for bail. He should be charged for a schedule 6 offence as he allegedly raped a minor,” said Nyongane.
“Enough is enough, women need to be protected and foreign nationals should be deported if they are found guilty of crimes of this nature.”
Nyongane also called for a speedy investigation into the matter by law enforcement authorities.
“Rape and violent crimes against women are spiralling out of control.”
He reiterated the need to establish a DNA laboratory in the Northern Cape, to fast track forensic investigations, and 24-hour Thuthuzela centres that are well resourced.
Police spokesperson Captain Olebogeng Tawana stated that a 29-year-old suspect had been arrested by the SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit and was expected to appear before the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on Monday, January 4.
Tawana said that the alleged incident was reported to the police on January 2.
“The complainant alleged that, at about 2.30pm, she went to the suspect’s tuck shop. While she was at the tuck shop the suspect allegedly grabbed her and took her to the back room and raped her,” said Tawana.
He added that the girl had allegedly been raped three times by different suspects. “Two incidents of rape took place in Ritchie and once in Jacobsdal between 2019 and January 2021.”
