Teenagers accused of gang-raping 14-year-old girl: case provisionally withdrawn
The case against a group of teenagers, the youngest being 12 years old, who have been accused of gang-raping a 14-year-old girl in Mitchells Plain has been provisionally withdrawn.
The shocking story made headlines in October 2024 when the girl broke her silence about the incident that happened on a field near Kapteinsklip.
According to previous reports, the boys flashed a gun at her and recorded the incident, which then went viral.
At the time, a family spokesperson explained how the girl was left traumatized, a consequence of both the assault and the subsequent exposure of the horrific ordeal to the public.
The spokesperson explained that the eldest boy recorded while the younger ones held her down and took turns raping her.
The video shows the girl’s face and the boys bragging about what they had done. The boy making the video also mentions the victim’s school by name. The girl’s grandmother said another child approached her in the area with the shocking video almost two weeks later.
Three boys aged 12, 14, and 17 were then arrested on charges related to the rape and the manufacturing of child pornography.
At their last court appearance in July, the court heard that the case would be provisionally withdrawn for further investigation.
The girl’s grandmother said her heart broke when she learned that the case was provisionally withdrawn.
“They didn’t even let me know the case was withdrawn. I feel bad, I didn’t expect this. Nobody kept me up to date, not the court, not the IO.”
The grandma said she doesn’t even know if the girl, who is currently living in a place of safety, knows about the developments in the case.
“It’s very disheartening that they would think it’s okay to just withdraw a case, this after they didn’t even give me dates for when the children are appearing. People couldn’t attend the case because the boys are minors.
“I am angry, and I was just discharged from the hospital.
“The last time I spoke, I asked them what’s happening, why is this case so quiet, look now.
“How can they say further investigation? There is a video! What other investigation needs to be done?”
Kaylynn Palm, spokesperson and head of Action Society’s Action Centre, said they were surprised and concerned to learn that the case involving the young girl was provisionally withdrawn.
“We urge the relevant authorities to act swiftly to ensure that the case does not remain in limbo or face unnecessary delays.
“What was done to this young girl is a grave violation and must be treated with urgency and seriousness. Provisional withdrawal must not be used as a means to sidestep justice. Those responsible must be held accountable, and the necessary steps to move this case forward must be taken without delay.
“We call on SAPS and the National Prosecuting Authority to do whatever is required thoroughly and promptly, so that justice is neither denied nor deferred. Action Society will continue to monitor this case closely and advocate for the rights and protection of victims.”
Eric Ntabazalila confirmed to the Weekend Argus that the case was provisionally withdrawn for further investigation.
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za