Alleged rape of teen by cop
'disturbing': Dept
By Sapa | Jul 08, 2013
The alleged rape of a
13-year-old girl by an off-duty policeman was "disturbing," the
Justice Department said on Sunday.
This incident flies in the
face of government's tireless efforts of addressing the escalating rate of
sexual violence against women and children
"Minister Jeff Radebe is disturbed by the alleged rape of a
13-year-old girl from Orange Farm by a police officer. The Minister has
condemned the incident especially in view of it being allegedly committed by a
law enforcer who is expected to protect citizens," spokesman MthunziMhaga
said in a statement.
"This incident flies in the face of government's tireless efforts
of addressing the escalating rate of sexual violence against women and
children."
News channel eNCA reported that the incident took place in Kliprivier,
south of Johannesburg, last week.
The teenager and her cousin were walking along a pathway when a man
driving an Opel Corsa cornered them.
They said he used pepper spray on them, before forcing the blinded girl
into his car.
He then parked in a ditch in Kliprivier where he allegedly raped her.Two
passing policemen grew suspicious when they spotted the vehicle in the ditch.
They stopped to investigate, and caught the policeman in the act.
The policeman who has since been arrested, faces charges of statutory
rape.
He would appear in the Vereeniging Magistrate's Court on Tuesday to
apply for bail, eNCA reported.
Mhaga said Radebe has assured the girl's family that "justice will
not only be done but manifestly seen to be done."
"Counseling services will be provided to her as is the practice to
all victims of sexual violence," he said.
