One of the women who fell victim to a man who exposed himself to her at a popular local dam last week is speaking out, urging other women to stay vigilant in public spaces.
The man was apprehended on Thursday after two incidents were reported — one on Saturday and one on Tuesday — where the suspect masturbated in front of the women.
As a regular dog walker, Monique Rethman (33) frequently visits Sonstraal dam. Last Tuesday, during one of her usual stops, she was still inside her car when a man approached her.
“He knocked on my window. He was neatly dressed and carrying a purple folder, so I assumed he wanted to give me something,” she said. “When I told him no, he suddenly opened his pants an started masturbating in front of me. It was in broad daylight, and there were other people around, but he didn’t seem to care at all.”
While she managed to get away, the emotional impact of the incident has been lasting.
“Beyond the immediate shock, it left me feeling incredibly vulnerable,” she said. “It was a real eye-opener. As women, we often underestimate how at risk we are. You can be sitting at a dam, doing something as normal as walking your dog, and still become a target.”
She also expressed regret about not having anything with her for self-defence.
“I felt even more exposed knowing I had nothing to protect myself with,” she added. “I can only imagine how much more traumatising it would have been for the young girl who fell victim to the same man.”
Arrested
The perpetrator was arrested on Thursday when armed CDF security response members spotted him at the dam while on their way to respond to an alarm call.
“We identified him by his clothing and the description shared by residents on local neighbourhood watch groups,” said a CDF security spokesperson. “He was later identified by one of the victims.”
The response members took the man to the Durbanville Police Station where he was charged.
A provincial police spokesperson confirmed that the 29 year-old-man was arrested for public indecency.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation,” said Sergeant Wesley Twigg. The suspect will make his court appearance in the Bellville Magistrates’ Court today.”
