HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE TO PROTEST AGAINST BAIL APPLICATION FOR MPOPHOMENI RAPE SUSPECT IN HOWICK

3rd July 2015

THE KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu, has expressed grave concerns about the scourge of rape and sexual molestation of the elderly, women and children in the province.

This comes after a suspect in Mpophomeni, Howick was arrested last week for allegedly raping two young girls who are in grade 2 at Sibongo Primary School.

It is alleged that he would call them into his house, whilst they were on their way to school, and then rape them. The suspect will be appearing in Howick court tomorrow, 02 July 2015.

Recently, also of serious concern is the rape of 57 year old woman in Mtubatuba, allegedly by his son who was arrested. However the victim died upon receiving news that her son was to be released from the prison.

The community supported by the department of Community Safety and Liaison organized themselves and picketed outside Mtubatuba court, opposing bail for the suspect. The suspect was indeed denied bail.

Mchunu has again called on people of KwaZulu-Natal, to heed to the pronouncement made by him for communities to organize themselves and oppose bail for rape suspects.

“We need to increase the awareness over these priority crimes and mobalise ourselves against this scourge. Let us do whatever we can to say enough is enough.  We need to register our strong protest and anger at these by demanding that rape suspects should not be given bail,” said Mchunu.

In solidarity with the Mpophomeni youth desk and CPF, the Department of Community Safety and Liaison has organized a protest at Howick Court on Thursday, 02 July 2015. Members of the community are also invited to join this initiative.

The full details of the protest are as following:

Date: Thursday, 02 July  2015
Place: Howick Court
Time: 08H30
For more information, please contact: Dora Sibande @0823005394
For media inquiry, call Sipho C Khumalo @082-682-6437