…By Roland Peterson for TDPel Media.
Aid and Support for the Victims
In response to the horrifying incident of the rape of a 92-year-old grandmother and her 11-year-old granddaughter in Jozini, KwaZulu-Natal, a team of social workers has been dispatched to assist the affected family.
According to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development, the assailant(s) forcefully entered the family’s homestead at night, threatening them before allegedly committing the sexual assault.
Condemnation of the Act
Nonhlanhla Khoza, the MEC of the Department, expressed her strong condemnation of this heinous act, emphasizing that it constitutes a flagrant violation of the victims’ fundamental rights and a severe blow to the dignity and safety of all citizens.
Khoza extended her deepest sympathies and solidarity to the victims and their families during this challenging time.
Addressing the Issue of Abuse
MEC Khoza expressed shock and dismay at the persistent abuse of older persons and children within communities.
She lamented the presence of individuals with deteriorated moral values, unable to differentiate between right and wrong, who continue to perpetrate such violations.
The government, she stated, is fully committed to providing comprehensive support and assistance to the victims.
This includes ensuring they receive necessary medical care, psychosocial support, and legal aid to aid in their recovery and pursuit of justice.
Call for Unity against Gender-Based Violence
In light of this distressing incident and similar abhorrent crimes, MEC Khoza called upon communities, civil society organizations, and individuals to unite in solidarity against all forms of gender-based violence, particularly rape.
She emphasized the importance of working together to create safe environments that protect the most vulnerable members of society and prevent such heinous acts from occurring.
Action Taken by Social Workers
Acknowledging the urgent need for support, a team of social workers has been dispatched to the victims’ family to provide the necessary assistance.
Their presence aims to address the emotional and psychological well-being of the affected family members, facilitating their healing process in the aftermath of this traumatic event.