Prominent South Africans from all walks of life have stood as one to denounce the gang-rape of a 17-year-old girl that has enraged the nation.
The rape of the girl, who was believed to be mentally challenged, was filmed on a cellphone. Musicians, actors, politicians and activists on Wednesday described their shock and anger over the heinous act.
It even reduced CapeTalk 567’s Talk Show host Redi Tlhabi to tears on air.
Cape Town mayor Patricia de Lille was outraged.
“The first thought that came to me was about the moral fabric of our society. If children are raping children, then something is desperately wrong. And then circulating it on social media – did they get some kick out of this without realising that something is wrong? It’s a sick society,” she said.
De Lille added: “The parents must also be charged, for not even reporting her missing.”
Premier Helen Zille said: “We cannot allow ourselves to be desensitised to these horrific deeds – no matter how often terrible crimes are committed in SA. One feels for this rape survivor and her family as they somehow try to rebuild their lives.”
Musician Yvonne Chaka Chaka: “I’m very sad. It’s outrageous. I’m very upset and disgusted.
“Dobsonville is my home town. I don’t know what’s happening in our society.”
Soccer legend Marks Maponyane: “This is not good news at all. Rape is a big no-no and we don’t need such people in our society.”
Fellow football ace Doctor Khumalo was in shock: “You ask yourself: ‘Where did we go wrong? What is it we are no longer doing to keep our children on the straight and narrow?’ ”
Poet Mzwakhe Mbuli: “To think that perpetrators filmed this evil deed… They should face the firing squad because the death penalty will take too long. Even animals don’t do this to each other.”
Actress Lilian Dube: “It’s terrible. It’s ugly. It’s scary… I come across this everyday. I’m sure it’s got to do with drugs because a normal person would not rape.”
Musician Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse: “What a sad story! What kind of country are we living in?”
Singer Loyiso Bala: “When kids beat up other kids in school and they videoed it, we used to laugh at it. But with this, we are all absolutely shocked. When we let the small things slide, they grow into this.”
Musician Ray Phiri: “We have become a society without conscience. Our social fibre has been torn. We have become culturally bankrupt. We are not developing as people. When last did you hear someone say a child belongs to the whole village? The government should start thinking about how best this society can develop.”
Minister of Women, Children and People with Disabilities Lulu Xingwana: “This despicable crime does not belong to our free and democratic society.
“We must all spare a thought for this young girl who has been violated in such a cruel and inhuman way.” - Cape Argus