A rape suspect was denied bail by the Soshanguve Magistrate Court last week Thursday 01 October 2020 after his legal representative did not attend court. His trial is set to begin on 26 November 2020.
This is also after the community of Soshanguve handed over a petition signed by 300 community members to the investigating officer to plea that the accused should not be granted bail.
The suspect is accused of allegedly raping a 26-year-old woman from Jukulyn who opened a case of rape against him for allegedly raping her last month.
Allegedly the complainant was out socializing at a local pub where the accused allegedly dragged her from the premises to an area near the pub where he allegedly raped her.
The complainant laid a charge of rape at the Rietvlei Police Station (Soshanguve Pulse is in possession of the case number).
Ms Shantall Ramatsui, an activist of Pearl Habour, an organization that supports victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), said she calls for business owners of bars, clubs, taverns, and related businesses to show their support for women.
“The President said people accused of rape should not be given bail and as an activist, I am against bringing perpetrators of rape back into the community where the crimes were committed because it will result in victimization.
“The no-bail declaration by the President should be the norm and the justice system should take it seriously to protect the communities against those who rape and murder.
“I urge the community to look out for one another and never allow rapists to persist,” said Ms Ramatsui.
Ms Martené (her full name cannot be disclosed for reasons known to Soshanguve Pulse), of the South Africa Women Fight Back NPC, said her organization is involved in the petitioning to stop rapists and murders.
“We also want to free the victims from the burden of Gender-Based Violence,” she said.
Ms Kgaugelo Mohlala, a member of a Woman’s Sector, a civil society movement representing women in Region 1, said they are tired of these monsters who are violating women and children.
“They do not deserve bail and they do not deserve to live amongst us. It is in the best interest and safety of the victim and for the safety of the community.
“When some suspects are released, they use the opportunity to kill their victims and continue to commit the same offense repeatedly. Rapists do not deserve to have rights because they do not think about the rights of women and children when they violate their bodies,” said Ms Mohlala.
Ms Swazi Mbokane said she does not support bail for perpetrators of rape because in some instances it can lead to the community taking the law into their hands should the perpetrator be suspected of further crimes committed in the community.
“Free bail is a right, but every bail is limited. If they have a life and death situation, that is when they can get it. Rape is a violation of human rights and it is a serious offense that should be taken seriously,” said Ms Mbokane.