Maidens gathered outside the Colenso magistrate’s court on Wednesday morning, 7 January, to voice their outrage following the rape of a 14-year-old girl in the area. The group stood in solidarity with the victim, calling for justice and accountability after the alleged assault on one of their own.
The suspect appeared before the court on the same day. No bail was granted at the time, and the matter was postponed for further proceedings.
Following the court appearance, the Alfred Duma Local Municipality expressed “shock and sadness” over the incident, which reportedly took place between 1 and 2 January in an area known as Top Rank in Colenso, uMnambithi.
The mayor, Cllr Zama Sibisi strongly condemned the alleged crime, describing it as an act of violence not only against a child, but against women and girls in general.
Sibisi reiterated the municipality’s firm stance against gender-based violence and called on the justice system to act decisively. He urged the courts to impose the harshest sentence permitted by law should the accused be found guilty, to send a clear message that such crimes will not be tolerated in local communities.
The Alfred Duma Local Municipality said it stands in solidarity with the victim and her family during this difficult time, adding that its thoughts and prayers are with them. The municipality further reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at eradicating gender-based violence and ensuring the safety and dignity of women and children.
