Residents of Langa on Wednesday evening marched for justice for a 15-year-old intellectually-challenged girl who was raped last week Thursday for the second time.
According to the distraught grandmother of the victim, the meisie was raped by two men who live in the same block of flats in Langa.
She said the first rape took place on 27 August 2024. However that man is locked up. The second rape occurred on Thursday, 27 March 2025.
The grandmother explains: “This guy was standing outside the block of flats where he lived, and my grandchild was on her way to her aunt’s house when she passed there.
“He called her and told her to buy a cold drink, then when she came back, he took her, closed the door and raped her.
“I know this guy because when the first rape took place last year we held a meeting, and this second perpetrator was there talking but look what he does - he goes and do the same thing.
"We as the family are not doing good. We can’t cope, this is devastating because my grandchild is being taken advantage of because of her disability.
"My granddaughter is very traumatised by this, she wets and poops in her pants and is always sleeping.”
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said a 38-year-old man was arrested for rape.
He reports: “The circumstances surrounding this incident are now under investigation. According to reports the complainant left her home in Langa on Thursday 27 March 2025 at about 1.30pm.
"Upon her return she missed the minor, a 15-year-old girl. When they found the victim they had reason for suspicion. The 15-year-old girl was taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention. We can confirm that a 38-year-old man was arrested for rape.
"Once charged the suspect is expected to make a court appearance in the Bishop Lavis Magistrate court on the mentioned charge.”
Anele Gqasana, the Chairperson of Langa GBVF Stakeholder Forum and the organiser of Langa Solidarity March against Rape Culture, a community-driven initiative uniting various organizations and individuals in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) in Langa said the community are mobilizing for a no bail application to ensure that justice is served.
Gqasana adds: “It was crucial to bring the community together in solidarity with survivors of rape and sexual violence.
"The march was a powerful statement against the normalization of rape culture and a call for justice, accountability, and support for victims.
"We wanted to show survivors that they are not alone and that the community stands with them.
"Additionally, it was an opportunity to raise awareness about the urgent need for systemic change and improved protection mechanisms.”