Two men have recently received life imprisonment for rape. Their crimes emphasising the daily danger women and children face in South Africa.
The first case involves Skhumbuzo Sgede Ngogwana, a 26-year-old convicted rapist, who was sentenced in the KwaDukuza Regional Court.
Ngogwana’s sentencing, which was done on September 26, comes after the court heard how he had raped an elderly woman at Mzulwini in Maphumulo.
Colonel Thembeka Mbele explains the incident took place on January 1, 2018. Shortly after midnight, the 59-year-old woman was woken up by a knocking at her door. She immediately contacted her children, informing them that there was an intruder at her door.
When Ngogwana heard the woman on the cellphone, he kicked the door open, stormed into the house and dragged her outside, before repeatedly raping her.
The Maphumulo police were then notified, and a rape case was opened. The KwaDukuza family violence, child protection, and sexual offences unit then took over the investigation.
Arrested the day following the rape, Ngogwana’s bail application was successfully opposed in court and he was kept in custody until his sentencing.
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In a separate incident, a 21-year-old man was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment after he raped a 12-year-old girl.
Colonel Mbele says the suspect was sentenced by the Kokstad Regional Court after it heard how he had raped the girl.
Colonel Mbele explains the incident took place on June 15, 2017. The young girl had apparently gone to a nearby tuckshop to buy something. At the shop, the accused approached her. As he was her neighbour, the unsuspecting child did not find it suspicious that he spoke to her,
The accused then took her to his room, where he raped her. Threatening her with a knife, the accused warned her to remain silent about the attack.
However, the child spoke up about the incident and the accused was arrested and charged with rape.
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With the two rapists now facing life imprisonment, how bad is rape in South Africa?
According to the National Crime Statistics, during the time frame from 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019, there were a staggering 41 583 rapes, which is 1 548 more cases than the previous year’s 40 035 cases.
In Newcastle, there are 30 reported rape cases during the same time frame. oSizweni saw 136 reported rape cases, with Madadeni seeing 98 reported rape cases.
Also read: Crime stats, how bad is the situation in South Africa, Newcastle, Madadeni and oSizweni?
What makes the local figures horrifying, is that rape victims do not always come forward. “Minimal of the cases are reported. Fear keeps many of the victims coming forward,” says Mary Dobbie of Newcastle Crisis Centre.
She explains as rape is already a traumatic experience, rapists often rely on threats to ensure women and children do not come forward.
“If it is a child, they will often threaten to kill the victim’s mother and make sure the child’s father loses their work.”
What forms of rape are most prevalent as of late?
Dobbie explains gang-rapes are happening more often, while date rape drugs are also still playing a major role. Furthermore, the most common age groups of the victims are between the ages of five-years-old to 18-years-old.
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But what can women and young girls do?
“I would strongly advise women and girls to learn self-defence. Also, report the matter to the SAPS as soon as possible,” Dobbie concludes.
Be sure to report rape at your nearest police station and break the silence today.
