SOUTH AFRICAN ROYAL PRINCESSES NETWORK (SARPN) CONDEMNS THE ATTEMPTED MURDER, BRUTAL ATTACK, VIOLATION AND RAPE OF A YOUNG GIRL FROM EMAXESIBENI AND WELCOMES THE WORK OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES TO ENSURE THAT THE PERPETRATOR IS BROUGHT TO BOOK AND FACE THE FULL WRATH OF THE LAW
SARPN is horrified and appalled by the reports of the attempted murder, brutal attack and rape of the young girl from Cabaza Village in EmaXesibeni. We are concerned by the increase at an alarming rate in the reported cases of GBV in particular rape in the rural areas. As, SARPN we are behind, encourage and commend the efforts of law enforcement agencies to build a strong case against the perpetrator. Justice must prevail.
Princess Noloyiso Kafu, who is the local representative of South African Royal Princesses Network and GBV activist in EmaXesibeni will lead a delegation to visit the family of the victim on Sunday, 24 April 2022. During this visit she will donate on behalf of SARPN sanitary towels and dignity packs for the victim. The SARPN is in touch with various institutions trying to secure post trauma counselling for the victim. Reconstructive surgery may be needed for the victim. On Monday Princess Kafu on behalf of the SARPN with other stakeholders will mobilise support in a form of a march against the crime of rape and to support the family in the Magistrate Court bail hearing. The victim’s life has been changed forever, a young girl denied of a bright future that she dreamt of.
Despite efforts to address GBV by government and various stakeholders, the cases continue to rise amounting in the failure to protect women and girls against GBV including rape. This case is one such unfortunate and heartbreaking incident.
The SARPN calls for harsher sentences for perpetrators. We call upon Government to continue to condemn violence and inequality against women and challenge the normalisation of violence against women. The perpetrator of such an act must be brought to justice and harsh sentence given and no bail for this offender.
The South African Royal Princesses Network is committed to the promotion of gender equality and to the protection of human rights as well as protection of women and girls from GBV.
