Angry Extension 6 residents called for the return of the death penalty and threatened mob justice outside the Grahamstown Magistrate's Court on Monday, where a teenager appeared on charges of rape and attempted murder.
Angry Extension 6 residents called for the return of the death penalty and threatened mob justice outside the Grahamstown Magistrate's Court on Monday, where a teenager appeared on charges of rape and attempted murder.
“Bring him to us and we will cut his genitals” and “You must bring back the rope for the murderers and rapists” were among the slogans on placards that the group held, as they demanded that the boy, who is 16, be denied bail.
The residents were still reeling from the shock of the rape and murder of Zingisa Centwa, 18, a few days before Christmas, and when another woman was found in Extension 6 early last Thursday, badly injured, they were outraged.
Members of the Unemployed People's Movement (UPM) and the Women's Social Forum organised the protest. “We are very perturbed at the increase of abuse of our sisters,” said UPM convenor Ayanda Kota.
“We are going to mobilise our community to ensure criminals have no place in our communities.” Women's Social Forum secretary Nosigqibo Soxujwa said the law must take action against rapists. “We cannot live with animals. Women cannot go out alone at night for fear of these criminals,” she said, calling on community members to join the fight against women abuse.
The brother of the latest victim, who cannot be identified to protect the identity of the victim, said the suspect should not get bail. “The rapes will continue if rape suspects always get bail,” he said. The boy appeared on charges of rape, attempted murder and theft of a motor vehicle. It emerged in court that he had consulted with a psychotherapist in connection with a previous rape charge.
The case was postponed to 25 January for psychological assessment and further investigation. Meanwhile, Centwa's brother, Siyanda, lambasted the justice system for not being serious about sexual violence. “The justice system is not serious about rape in this country,” he said, also urging communities to take a stand against women abuse.
Zingisa Centwa, whose body was found in Lukwe Street, passed matric with flying colours, meeting university entry requirements. The 18-year-old suspect charged with her rape and murder will appear in the Grahamstown Magistrate's Court today for a formal bail application.
