Cape Town - A 30-year-old man is expected to appear in the Bishop Lavis Magistrate’s Court following his arrest at the weekend for an alleged brutal attack on a young mother in Bonteheuwel.
Police say the suspect was nabbed shortly after a charge of rape was laid against him at the Bishop Lavis police station. The complainant said she had been attacked in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Police spokesperson FC van Wyk said: “A 30-year-old man was arrested and charged for a rape case reported at Bishop Lavis for investigation. According to reports, the incident occurred on Sunday, July 3, at about 12.15am. The suspect is due to make a court appearance at Bishop Lavis Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.”
A close relative of the complainant, who wanted to remain anonymous to protect the victim, said the family was deeply disturbed by the attack and strongly condemned the violent assault.
“Gender-based violence (GBV) and rape is disgusting and it’s wrong. It cannot continue. What happened to a member of our family is deeply upsetting and we will not be silent about it. The perpetrator of this attack must have the full might of the law thrown against him,” the relative said.
“As a family, we don’t want him out on the streets. He should not be granted bail. As a nation and as a community, it feels like we will not be able to overcome GBV because of how society wants to scandalise such incidents. It’s wrong, and it only victimises the victim further.”
Bonteheuwel councillor Angus McKenzie said: “I was contacted in the early hours of Sunday morning only to be told that a young mother who had been out enjoying herself in the company of friends had been violently assaulted.
“The perpetrator who will appear in court was known to the victim. As a community we will oppose bail,” McKenzie said.