After the release of the suspect Acting Free State Premier Jabu Mbalula visited the family of a rape victim in Allanridge on Friday (13/12).

It is alleged the suspect (42) is a police officer stationed at the Allanridge Police Station. He kidnapped the boy and took him to his place on Saturday (7/12) at midnight and raped him. The case was reported and the suspect was arrested on Tuesday (10/12). However, he was released within two days due to further investigations.

“I am upset that a child as young as 16 was violated allegedly by a police officer. We have been embarking on marches against gender-based violence and recently launched the 16 Days of Activism for no violence against women and children.

The Free State Acting Premier Jabu Mbalula visited the family of the boy who was allegedly raped in Allanridge. Photo: Facebook

“These stubborn crimes confront our society and we are doing our best to remove perpetrators from our society. It is therefore particularly worrying that a police officer is alleged to have committed this heinous crime. We are going to ensure that the victims get justice,” stated Mbalula.

He promised to speak to Social Development to assist with social workers who will provide counselling for the family and the victim. The mother of the victim requested for the perpetrator to be punished as her son now spends most of his time indoors. Mbalula assured the family the state would do everything possible to secure a conviction. During 16 days of activism against GBV  SA Society of Psychiatrists, member Dr Sibongile Mashapu shared how children who grow up surrounded by conflict may show behavioural problems such as aggression, poor social skills, academic problems, and criminal behavior.

Mashapu said strengthening the quality and accessibility of public mental health services is key to breaking the cycle of South Africa’s crisis of GBV that begins with exposure to intimate partner violence and abuse in childhood.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg