Cape Town – Outrage and grief have gripped the Langa community following the second rape of a 15-year-old intellectually-challenged girl. On Wednesday evening, residents took to the streets to march in solidarity with the victim and demand justice for the heinous crime.
The victim's distraught grandmother revealed that the latest attack occurred last week Thursday, marking the second time her granddaughter has been subjected to such a horrific ordeal. According to the grandmother, the perpetrator is one of two men who live in the same block of flats in Langa.
"This guy was standing outside the block of flats where he lived, and my grandchild was on her way to her aunt’s house when she passed there," the grandmother explained, recounting the events of the day. "He called her and told her to buy a cold drink, then when she came back, he took her, closed the door and raped her."
The grandmother expressed the family's devastation and their struggle to cope with the trauma. "We as the family are not doing good. We can’t cope, this is devastating because my grandchild is being taken advantage of because of her disability," she said. "My granddaughter is very traumatised by this, she wets and poops in her pants and is always sleeping.”
Tragically, this was not the first time the young girl has been victimised. The grandmother revealed that the first rape took place on 27 August 2024. The perpetrator in that case has since been apprehended and is currently in custody. However, the fact that a second individual from the same community has now committed a similar crime has left residents reeling in disbelief and anger.
Adding to the family's pain, the grandmother said: "I know this guy because when the first rape took place last year we held a meeting, and this second perpetrator was there talking but look what he does – he goes and do the same thing."
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed that a 38-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the latest rape. "The circumstances surrounding this incident are now under investigation," Swartbooi stated. "According to reports the complainant left her home in Langa on Thursday 27 March 2025 at about 1.30pm. Upon her return she missed the minor, a 15-year-old girl. When they found the victim they had reason for suspicion. The 15-year-old girl was taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention. We can confirm that a 38-year-old man was arrested for rape."
Swartbooi added that the suspect is expected to appear in the Bishop Lavis Magistrate court once charged.
In response to the appalling crime, the Langa community has united to take a stand against gender-based violence. Anele Gqasana, Chairperson of Langa GBVF Stakeholder Forum and the organiser of Langa Solidarity March against Rape Culture, emphasized the importance of community action.
Gqasana said: “It was crucial to bring the community together in solidarity with survivors of rape and sexual violence. The march was a powerful statement against the normalization of rape culture and a call for justice, accountability, and support for victims. We wanted to show survivors that they are not alone and that the community stands with them. Additionally, it was an opportunity to raise awareness about the urgent need for systemic change and improved protection mechanisms.”
The Langa GBVF Stakeholder Forum is a community-driven initiative uniting various organisations and individuals in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) in Langa.
Gqasana further stated that the community is mobilising to ensure that the suspect is denied bail, sending a clear message that such acts of violence will not be tolerated. The march served as a visible demonstration of the community's determination to create a safer environment for all, particularly vulnerable individuals like the 15-year-old victim.
Follow Us on Twitter
