Cops investigating rape of 18-year-old girl at Strandfontein temporary shelter

Cape Town – Western Cape police are investigating the rape of 18-year-old girl, which occurred at the Strandfontein temporary shelter on Good Friday.

SAPS Western Cape spokesperson said Andrè Traut: “The circumstances surrounding the rape of an 18-year-old girl last night at the Strandfontein temporary shelter are being investigated by the Mitchells Plain Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Investigations (FCS) unit. Arrests are yet to be made.”

The latest incident comes after a call was made for residents to take a stand against the temporary shelter provided to the homeless by the City of Cape Town in response to the Covid-19 lockdown.

Volunteers from different Community Action Networks have written a letter listing their objections and concerns about the living conditions at the Strandfontein Sports ground site. The group have encouraged people to sign the letter before Monday, 13 April 2020 at midday, as it will be sent to Mayor Dan Plato.

The group says have heard from women and survivors of gender-based violence about the extreme vulnerability of women, children, disabled and LGBTQI + people.

“Strandfontein relocation camp does not have the means to protect vulnerable people and provide refuge from or an adequate response to rape, abuse and assault,” they said.

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