Child rape victims share their ordeals in search of healing

Victims advised to speak up by two young rape victims. Supplied

Victims advised to speak up by two young rape victims. Supplied

Published Aug 13, 2022

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Cape Town - Bottling up abuse protects the perpetrators and silently kills you, says a 13-year-old rape survivor from Philippi.

The Grade 6 pupil spoke for the first time since the life sentencing of her rapist by the Wynberg Regional Court last month.

The girl was getting ready to go to school in November 2021 when the convicted Sinethemba Mkhahluli entered her home at about 7am after the victim’s mother had gone to work. He threatened her to be quiet or he would kill her, dragged her to a bed and started to undress her. He pressed her neck and repeatedly instructed her not to scream as he raped her.

She said talking about it healed and released tension within her.

“I know I am not the only child who went through this. I just want to let others to know it’s better to talk about it to someone you can trust and deal with your feelings as they come. It used to hurt so much, especially when no one knew what happened. It still hurt when I started talking, but as time went by I felt better. I wasn’t scared or angry any more. Some days I would just sit alone and cry. Sometimes I would have flashbacks and start shaking. I don’t get those any more.

“When I heard he was sent to jail for ever, I felt so relieved. I will never see him, he will never hurt me again, and not anyone. I’m fine now, I always try to not think about it.”

Mkhahluli was sentenced to two life sentences after the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Yandiswa Jack, of the Nyanga Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit, successfully provided evidence against him.

Detective Sergeant Yandiswa Jack from the Nyanga Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit is determined to fight gender-based violence from the root. Here she celebrates her successful rape convictions. Picture: Supplied

“I feel so proud to be a member of SAPS, especially being a woman in position to help my community and children in these difficult times where children and women are being abused by men,” Jack said.

Her hard work didn’t go unnoticed as the provincial police spokesperson, Captain Frederick van Wyk, said: “Our detectives are following up on all leads to solve these cases, and it is evident in the investigations by Detective Sergeant Yandiswa Jack.”

Van Wyk said Jack also had Xola Mdini sentenced to two life terms for raping a 14-year-old boy at home in June 2021. Mdini got two life sentences on May 25. He also confirmed that Jack had Mabhuti Mtimanzi from Nyanga thrown into jail for two life terms for raping his 7-year-old victim between 2010 and 2012. His case was opened in June 2019 and he was sentenced on June 30 this year.

Mdini's victim from Gugulethu said: “I will never forget the pain and trauma he inflicted on me. I am glad justice was served and I can now move on with my life and focus on positive things.

“It was not an easy thing, but I am glad I reported him and saved many from going through what he put me through. I said to myself, what if I am not the only victim? I just couldn’t stand it and I wanted him to be stopped. Luckily, I had a strong support system.

“I know people think it’s a shame for a boy to admit being raped, but it’s a fact and I believe it hurts just like any other victim. We are all human. Yes, I felt my dignity and my manhood was destroyed, but isn't it the same for women? Rape is rape, we need to stop it and that’s if we report every incident, even the suspicious behaviours must be reported and investigated. I knew that guy was abusing his girlfriend, but I never thought he would think of attacking me, let alone sleeping with me.”

Van Wyk said: “Crimes against women and children are a top priority for the Western Cape police and every endeavour is made to solve these cases and bring the perpetrators before a court of law, with substantial evidence.”