WHEN a seven-year-old boy was innocently playing outside on Wednesday, 12 July, he had no idea his neighbour would violate him.
The boy, who was born deaf, was outside his home in Hlohlolwane in Clocolan, Free state, when he was called by a known neighbour to his house.
It's alleged that on arrival, the perpetrator poked the boy's ear with a stick which caused it to bleed. He then allegedly raped him.
The boy left his neighbour's house and went home where his mum noticed the bleeding ear, and to her dismay, realised that her son was also bleeding from behind.
Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring said the boy was rushed to a local hospital where police were called by hospital doctors.
"He explained to his mum what had happened through sign language. She interpreted for the police, which led to the arrest of a 34-year-old suspect. A case of rape was registered," he said.
Chairman of Ahanang Men's Forum, Pule Lekhoaba, strongly condemned this act of violence against a child. He called on the justice system to impose a sentence similar to the death sentence.
"We wish justice could take a decisive decision to kill him or impose the harshest sentence which is similar to death. We know our new constitution wouldn't accommodate the death sentence," said Lekhoaba.
He said the perpetrator should not be released on bail.
"We are going to right a letter to the Minister of Justice and the parole board not to give him parole even if he serves more than 100 years. We don't want people like him in our society. He is a coward, not a man. He belongs in the graveyard," he added.
The devastated mother asked not to comment as the matter is under police investigation.
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Chairman of the Disabled People of South Africa Teboho Monkwe, slammed the South African Constitution for what he regards as a senseless crime.
Monkwe said this incident is an example which shows that South Africa is a lawless country with no future.
"Criminals enjoy committing crime regularly because they know that police custody is a good place to stay. They receive proper medication, three meals a day and psychological counselling while victims are left with trauma," he said.
He said they would write a letter to the MEC to provide psycho-social support to the family and the victim. "We want the victim to rot in jail," he concluded.
Warrant Officer Mophiring said the suspect has been arrested and charged with rape. He is expected to appear in the Ladybrand Magistrates Court on Monday, 17 July.
