Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said they are standing in solidarity with the victim and her family.
Image: GCIS
The Police Ministry has expressed its shock and disdain after an 18-year-old was allegedly raped in KwaZulu-Natal.
The rape took place on May 4, and the accused in the matter is a 54-year-old Inkosi of the KwaBhidla area.
An Inkosi is a chief or chieftain.
According to police, the suspect gave the young woman a lift from the eGqumeni area, but he allegedly refused to drop her off, instead, he drove her to a remote and isolated bush area where he allegedly raped her.
The suspect made a brief appearance in the Hlanganani Magistrate’s Court on Friday, May 9.
National Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu condemned the rape.
“This vile act, allegedly committed by someone who holds a position of leadership and authority—is a betrayal of the moral, ethical, and societal responsibilities bestowed upon traditional leaders; it flies in the face of the values we seek to uphold in a just, safe, and respectful society,” Mchunu said.
He said it remains unclear whether the Inkosi premeditated this and executed his plan using his vehicle.
“All along and up to now, when engaging with my counterpart in CoGTA, it has been around the role that traditional leaders need to play on various social ills and around their security concerns, but we have never thought that we now have to engage on their involvement in the act of rape,” Mchunu said.
He commended the SAPS for acting swiftly and professionally in response to this incident.
“We stand in unwavering solidarity with the victim and her family during this painful time. We trust and will ensure that the justice system treats the victim with dignity, that her voice is heard, and that this matter is pursued with the urgency and weight it deserves. No individual, regardless of their title, position, or social standing, should ever be allowed to act with impunity, especially in matters as grave as gender-based violence,” Mchunu said.
The suspect is back in court on Monday, May 12, where he is expected to bring a formal bail application.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
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