Family’s home demolished after reporting rape

A FAMILY in Marikana informal settlement, Philippi, is in shock after their home was destroyed by community members, allegedly for reporting the rape of their daughter to police.

The family has since sought refuge in another informal settlement.

The victim’s guardian, Bongiwe Yeleki said threats to demolish their home started when they opened a case on Monday last week following a medical examination that resulted in the arrest of the alleged perpetrator the following day. However, she said she was called on Wednesday and informed her home was being destroyed by individuals she said she knew.

“They initially begged us not to open the case and when I refused they made threats to demolish my home. When the alleged perpetrator appeared in court they were protesting outside the police station while my daughter was receiving counselling, and they further begged me to close the case, to which I declined, and they demolished my home. I told them if they were adamant about the alleged perpetrator’s innocence and disregarded my daughter’s claims, they should let the court decide that,” she said.

Yeleki said most of their building materials, furniture, personal belongings and clothes were stolen.

“We are still distraught, having to start from scratch; however, counselling has been provided. We have moved in with our extended family members and we would appreciate any form of donations like school uniforms as the kids take turns to wear the same uniform,” she said.

Chairperson of The Greater People of SA (TGPSA), Zintle Khobeni said a forensic investigator, paralegal adviser and a social worker were deployed to assist the family.

“We are grateful to the police for stepping up when they were needed the most,” she said.

Khobeni said the alleged perpetrator appeared at the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on charges of rape and the TGPSA team was able to assist the family to register a case of malicious damage to property.

“We are absolutely horrified at the community's barbaric behaviour and we call for justice for the victim and the family. The law must take its course and arrest those who participated in the destruction of the family’s home. What kind of society are we living in?”

Khobeni said the TGPSA was providing trauma counselling, paralegal advice and the family would also receive support in court.