Residents in Bellville South are up in arms after a Grade 9 pupil (16) was raped on her way to school earlier this week.
Western Cape provincial police spokesperson Captain Frederick van Wyk confirms a case of rape has been opened for investigation.
“This office can confirm that a rape of a 16-year-old female was reported on 12 September in Lily Street, Bellville South. This case are being investigated by the Bellville Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit,” he confirms.
The girl was allegedly threatened with a knife before being taken to a ‘secluded spot’, a post shared by the Bellville South Community Policing Forum (BSCPF) reads.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and her family, and we (are) praying for a speedy recovery.”
A reliable source close to the investigation says the incident happened after 08:00 when the girl was on her way to Kasselsvlei Comprehensive High School.
It is alleged the girl was late for school and walked alone at the time. The suspect forced the girl to an outhouse toilet where they spent the next 30 minutes.
The man was allegedly unaware of a security camera filming the area.
“The girl then went back to school, traumatised, and along the way community members saw she was traumatised and was crying,” says the source.
“They took her to the police station where she opened a case.In the meantime, people have been sharing pictures of who they believe the suspect is, which the BSCPF has condemned in another post.
“This NOT the person, please let us not endanger the lives of innocent or wrong people,” the post reads.
Ward councillor Mercia Kleinsmith says she hopes the police will catch the culprit as soon as possible.
“It is unacceptable that a child would experience this on her way to school. My heart breaks when our children aren’t safe.”
She also urges children to walk in groups as far as possible.
Learners at the school are also planning a protest in front of the school, which will take place on Friday.
