Cape Town -
Three teenagers accused of raping their friend, holding her captive for hours and later taunting her appeared in the Muizenberg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
National Prosecuting Authority provincial spokesman Eric Ntabazalila said the teenagers, all aged 16, would be assessed by a social worker. Two of them were released into the care of their parents. On the recommendation of a social worker, the third teenager would be kept in a place of safety as his guardian “did not have control over him”, Ntabazalila said.
The 21-year-old victim said this week how the accused, who she said were like brothers to her, allegedly refused to let her go home after they had a meal together.
Ntabazalila said it was confirmed in court that the accused and the victim were friends.
He said that after the prosecutor informed the court the teenagers had contacted the woman and her family after the alleged rape, the court ordered them to have no contact with the victim or her family.
Ntabazalila said the matter has been postponed until July 11 for further investigation and for a legal representative to be appointed for the accused who have not yet been asked to plead.
Concerned Muizenberg citizen Advocate Koos Louw expressed anger and disgust at the situation on Thursday.
“They’ve already intimidated her and now they’re given their freedom again.
“There’s no parental control? How could they keep this woman hostage in the home if there was parental control?”
The victim said she felt better knowing that the accused had appeared in court, but she was upset two of them were released as they live in her area. “I don’t want them in my sight,” she said.
Cape Times