Khayelitsha court postpones twin rape case, raising concerns for justice
The case involving two seven-year-old twins who were allegedly sexually assaulted by a minor friend of the family in Khayelitsha has been postponed to April 13.
The mother of the twins reported the incident almost immediately after it occurred in January. According to her, one of her daughters ran to her room to tell her that the person she affectionately referred to as “Bhuti” had assaulted her.
Activists and community members arrived at the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court on Friday to show support for the mother and her children. However, they were not allowed inside the courtroom due to the sensitive nature of the case, as it involves minor children.
“It is not clear to me why the case was postponed today,” the mother said.
“The judge referred to the disruption caused by community members enquiring about being in court to support me, as well as the role of the media, and then it was postponed.”
Although visibly emotional, she described having mixed feelings about the postponement.
“A part of me is relieved because he (the suspect) will be turning 18 years old on April 11, and so he will be judged as an adult and no longer as a child. This means there is hope that he will be held fully accountable for the crime.”
In previous coverage, the mother had expressed fears that justice might not be served due to a lack of communication from the investigating officer. She confirmed that she had heard from the detective before Friday’s court appearance.
“He called me from work and asked me if he could come and collect the children’s birth certificates. He also gave me information on the docket and explained what had been happening over the past few weeks. He assured me that he is on top of the investigation and would also be here today,” she said.
However, according to the mother, statements from the children have still not been formally collected. She said she does not have information on when that process will take place.
The parent of the accused minor declined to comment when approached by the media.
lilita.gcwabe@inl.co.za