The Inkatha Freedom Party Women’s Brigade calls on families not to protect rapists but rather expose them in order for them to be punished after it has been reported that some family members of a 10-year-old girl in Mtubatuba who was raped by a close relative are allegedly to be covering up this matter instead of protecting the victim.
“The predators vary from parents raping their own children, brothers raping their sisters, family friends and passers-by. Therefore, such people must be exposed so that they must be punished. We must not protect rapists because it is an insult to the victims. We also want to register or discomfort about the failure by the police to give this matter the urgent attention it deserves. They are dragging their feet in arresting the suspect by claiming that there is insufficient evidence. We are perplexed because we have learnt that even the doctor has confirmed to the mother of a child that she was raped,” said IFP Women’s Brigade National Chairperson, Mrs Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa.
“We must do away with the culture and the belief that family problems are not solved by the police. Many people still believe that the person who will make any noise out of it will be considered a bad person/child who want to separate the family and matters should be treated secretly not to tarnish the image of the family. Now in this case no one else believe this is a crime, and that is how this little girls’ life is spoiled. What about hundreds of other children who are victims to such acts and no one ever notices? No one ever gives them the opportunity to live their innocence. The impacts of rape are numerous and disastrous for every victim,” continued Mrs Madlopha-Mthethwa.
“Moreover, families and communities should be educated to look at rape as a crime. Families need to learn that rape is a crime and the rapist should not be protected. Women who fail to denounce rapists should also know they are putting the lives of their children as well as those of little girls in danger. Educating communities is the best way to combat violence against women. as the IFPWB we believe that protection of women and girls must be a 365 days project,” concluded Mrs Madlopha-Mthethwa.
The IFPWB calls on the police to work around the clock to apprehend the perpetrator. In addition, we call upon the KZN MEC of Social Development, Hon Weziwe Thusi to urgently intervene by ensuring that this child receive the necessary counseling as schools are opening next week.
Issued by:
IFPWB National Chairperson,
Mrs Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa
071 884 3844 / 079 114 3015
