The ANC Young Women’s desk in the North West province is disgruntled and shocked by the recent reports of an alleged rape incident of a nine-year (9) old boy. It is alleged that the boy, whom we cannot name in respect of his family and loved ones; was raped within the school premises of Curro Academy in Mahikeng. It is also alleged that the gruesome act occurred when he was waiting for transport to go home.

We, are in utter disgust of people who still commit such barbaric, sordid acts that destroys not only lives of families but that of a possible promised future of child. We will not rest until we rid this world of such actions. We will continue to raise awareness, shout and fight with all we have against such evil in order to safeguard our women and children.

We still believe that more stringiest measures by the justice system need to be taken against perpetrators of this nature. We cannot continue to live in fear and insecurity, knowing that the law allows lenient judgements against such acts. We cannot allow places of learning institutions intrusted to safeguard the lives and health of our children to also be at risk. This is where most of us who are single parents take refuge for our children, to ensure a viable better future for them.

We are thankful and appreciative of the manner in which the school responded to the matter. We trust that the additional security that the school recently hired will assist the challenge.

We also thank the law enforcers for working tirelessly to apprehend the culprit, ensuring that justice is served.

As this is now a matter of public knowledge, we are of the opinion that a thorough engagement and rehabilitation should be awarded to the learners. We strongly believe it would assist in creating an informed awareness and manage distress caused by current speculation at the school.

We; the Young Women’s Desk would like to send our heartfelt warm wishes of healing and amity to the family of the young one. We pledge our support to ensure that a proper counselling, be granted to the young victim and his family.

We urge members of the community to be vigilant in ensuring safety of our children and the voiceless from criminal behaviour. This is a societal cause and every citizen should work hand in hand together with public institutions, law enforcers and the religious sector to combat this virus.

AMANDLA

BY : Cde Bridgette Tlhomelang

ANCWL Bokone Bophirima Provincial Secretary

-ANC NW