Mitchell’s Plain Crisis Forum to oppose bail in rape case

The Mitchell’s Plain Crisis Forum (MPCF), an NGO working towards an end to the rape and killing of women and children, and some members of the community have vowed to oppose bail in the rape case of a 19-year-old woman from Tafelsig.

Adelia Roberts was raped in February last year after she went to a bogus job interview. In an interview with Elitsha, Adelia said she also does not want the perpetrator to get bail. “If I recall how he lured me till he raped me, I will never want to see him granted bail. He should stay the rest of his life in jail.”

She says the perpetrator sent his friend to call her to his house for a job opportunity.

“I knew this man to be helping people in the community to get some form of employment. Those assisted could pay R500 for the help but I was not asked to pay any money. First time I went to his house he made a CV for me. After some time he again called me and requested me to be a trustworthy person to him but on several incidents he asked me whether I was a virgin. On the very day he asked me to accompany him to his friend, he forced me into some bushes, raped me then went away,” she says.

Adelia’s life changed completely after the rape.

“I started drinking alcohol and did not want to stay home again. I was very much disturbed so by taking alcohol I would forget all this.”

Mary Roberts, Adelia’s mother told Elitsha that after the ordeal, her family fell apart. “There was no family unity. Adelia started taking alcohol and we did not understand her behaviour,” she says.

“It is very disturbing that the courts grant serial rapists and murderers bail. These people are a danger to our community. Adelia’s rapist is a murderer and a serial rapist. If granted bail then the law is very unfair. Such people will always commit similar offenses. This time we will stand firm as a community to show that we oppose bail for rapists and murderers,” says the 56-year-old.

“We will strongly oppose bail in any murder and rape cases. After Adelia was raped, the family was scattered but after our intervention they are back on track,” says Charneel Plaatjies from the MPCF specialising in counselling.

Shena Firmstone, a member of the Tafelsig community says, “The law is lenient on rapists. Why is it that the same people who commit rape do it several times. Courts should involve the community concerned whenever they are intending awarding parole to any murderer or rapist. These people are a danger to the community. They must be eliminated from the public.”

In a statement, the South African Police Service confirmed that the case is still being investigated.