Civil society organisations and community members in Khayelitsha have voiced outrage over the decision to grant bail to a man accused of the kidnapping and repeated rape of 20-year-old Ongeziwe Poni, a promising young boxer.

Siyabonga Zono, who stands accused of abducting and raping Poni during a 12-hour ordeal on the night of 30 March 2025, was released on bail following his fifth court appearance at the Khayelitsha Magistrates’ Court on 28 May.

The case has faced multiple delays, with the most recent postponement due to the absence of the investigating officer, who reportedly has not visited all the crime scenes.

According to the victim’s statement, she was attacked at knifepoint and raped multiple times in separate locations, including a public toilet, an open field, and a shack where she was held overnight.

Zono was arrested in connection with the case and charged with kidnapping and rape.

Ilitha Labantu, a longstanding organisation advocating for the rights of women and children, condemned the court’s decision to release the accused.

The organisation described the ruling as “a gross miscarriage of justice” and said it reflected a broader systemic failure to prioritise survivors of gender-based violence.

“Despite the severity of the allegations, the investigation has been marked by a disturbing lack of urgency and seriousness,” said Ilitha Labantu spokesperson Siyabulela Monakali.

“Such failures by law enforcement not only compromise the integrity of the case but send a demoralising message to survivors about the state’s commitment to justice.”

The group cited the accused’s release as further traumatising the survivor and noted that more than 1,800 members of the public had signed a petition opposing bail.

They called on the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to review and appeal the bail decision urgently.

“We call on the NPA to urgently review and appeal the bail decision. We further demand accountability for the failures in the investigative process and the immediate prioritisation of this case to ensure that justice is not delayed or denied. Survivors like Ongeziwe deserve more than our sympathy. They deserve action, dignity, protection, and justice.”

Adding to public criticism is men’s social movement Amadoda Qotho founder Lumkile Sizila, who expressed support for Poni and called for accountability in policing and prosecution.

The organisation, which advocates against gender-based violence, substance abuse, and crime, said it supported the establishment of a commission of inquiry into policing failures in Khayelitsha.

“We are not tolerant of any form of abuse and crime,” said the group.

“Every day, women are raped and their rights to dignity, life and freedom of movement are violated. The Constitution obliges the state to respect, protect, promote and fulfil these rights.”

Sizila added that the laws meant to protect women are “not taken seriously” and urged communities to unite in holding the justice system accountable.

“We will fight for Ongeziwe Poni. We will win this case,” the statement concluded.

Further concerns were raised by staff at the Grassroots Youth Academy, where Poni trains.

Coach Jongi Kamko, who also acts as a mentor to many of the young girls at the academy, said the court’s decision had sent shockwaves through the community.

“These girls looked up to Ongeziwe as a symbol of strength and resilience,” he said. “Now they are struggling to concentrate. The news of the accused’s release has instilled fear and undermined the safe and supportive space we have worked hard to create.”

Kamko said the decision had eroded public confidence in the justice system.

“It suggests that the perpetrator’s rights are being prioritised over the safety of victims and the broader community. This undermines trust in the legal system and discourages other survivors from speaking out.”

Community members have called for urgent reforms within the criminal justice system and improved enforcement of laws addressing gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

They argue that the low conviction rate for such crimes reflects a disconnect between policy and implementation, allowing perpetrators to re-enter communities with impunity.

“Survivors like Ongeziwe deserve more than our sympathy. They deserve action, dignity, protection and justice,” Monakali said.

The NPA has yet to comment on whether it will appeal the bail decision.

mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za

Source link