Philisa Abafazi Bethu, Cafda Welfare and other organisations picketed outside Muizenberg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday November 8 to oppose the bail application of a 47-year-old taxi driver who is accused of raping a nine-year-old girl.
The man from Seawinds, who transported primary school pupils to and from school, has allegedly been raping the girl who is from the same area, since February.
Founder of Philisa Abafazi Bethu, Lucinda Evans, is appealing to parents to to screen the credentials of the adults they entrust their children to.
“As a woman leader I am taking a stand against this monstrous crime that has been perpetrated by this adult man. I am calling for no bail for this perpetrator.”
She is also calling for a speedy trial and that the man, if convicted, be given the maximum sentence of two life sentences without parole.
“I am also appealing to all parents to ask their drivers to produce a police letter stating that they have been screened and vetted. We hope that parents will ask their drivers if they have been screened and to show proof that they do not have a criminal record. We need to protect our children,” said Ms Evans.
MymoenaScholtz fromtheorganisationWhereRainbows Meet in Vrygrond was shockedwhenshe heard of the case.
“It is sad and shocking that this happened just before the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign in our own community. We as a community feel angry that something like this has happened because in whoever’s care we put our children into, we trust that it would be someone they are safe with but this has been a big-eye opener. I want to encourage parents to please speak to their children about their bodies, so that children can know when anyone touches them in certain ways that they can talk to their parents about it and the culprit can be apprehended,”said Ms Scholtz
Muizenberg police spokesperson Captain Stephen Knapp said bail was opposed and the man is currently in detention at Pollsmoor.
The case has been postponed to Monday January 9 2017 for plea bargain.
