SAHRC must provide an update on alleged Orange Farm rape and child marriage

By Shakes Chabalala - Orange Farm Constituency Chairperson

The DA calls on the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to provide a status update on a case of rape and child marriage that took place in Orange Farm, where a mentally ill patient was allegedly raped and then forced into marrying her alleged assailant. We further call on the SAHRC to substantiate their claim that the case has been resolved, as community members now claim that this is not the case.

The alleged failure on the part of the SAHRC to deal with this matter is concerning as the community has indicated that they have no recourse or means by which to ensure the safety of victims after they have reported such cases.

The DA will visit the Orange Farm police station to understand the details that led to the withdrawal of initial rape case. We also need to understand the prevalence of such cases in this community and the extent to which these cases are resolved. The incident allegedly took place at a day care center for the mentally ill a number of years ago and it is therefore important to determine whether the day care facility was investigated as part of the SAHRC investigation in question.

With the high rate of women and girls that are being sexually abused in South Africa, we cannot make any exceptions in the pursuit of justice. Every sexual predator must face the full might of the law.

As a first step to ensuring that justice be done in this case, the revealing of the findings of the initial investigation by the SAHRC is of vital importance. Should it be found that a young and vulnerable girl was victimized and that nothing was done to protect her, action must be taken against those who are responsible.