Ndudi Anyim
A middle-aged woman and her three children have been rescued from her abusive husband at a farm in Keimoes, Northern Cape Province, South Africa.
Security Watch Africa gathered that while the 40-year-old man, who is now in Police custody had sexually molested his 15-year-old stepdaughter, he had also physically assaulted his 10-year-old stepson.
The victims who were rescued by joint operatives of South Africa Police Service (SAPS) in Keimoes, Upington Border Police, Upington K9 and Kakamas FCS units, said the suspect had also threatens to shot them before help came.
According to the Acting Provincial Commissioner in the Northern Cape, Major General Henriette de Waal, a family member of the victim who resides in Despatch in Mpumalanga contacted the Provincial Head of the FCS units in the Northern Cape, Brigadier Nicky Mills on March 17, and reported that the victim and her children were allegedly being abused and kept against their will on a farm in Keimoes.
She stated that the Police immediately activated the team to respond to the report.
“ There were also reports of the 15-year-old girl being sexually abused by the stepfather and the 10-year-old boy being assaulted. It was also discovered that the mother was emotionally abused since February. When the collective team arrived at the residence, they found the suspect (the stepfather) in possession of a 6.35 mm pistol with the serial number filed off and a homemade shotgun.
“ The members also discovered 508 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 60 rounds of 6.35mm ammunition, five R5 magazines and 4 x 9mm magazines. The suspect was arrested and charged for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition as well as for contravening the Family Violence Act including emotional abuse, sexual abuse and assault.
“ Members of the Kakamas FCS unit removed the mother and her children and placed them in a shelter where they received the necessary support and assistance. The suspect will soon appear in the Keimoes Magistrates court, ” the acting Provincial Commissioner said.
Waal commended the swift reaction of the collective team which resulted in the suspect being apprehended and firearms and ammunitions recovered.
She also issued a stern warning to perpetrators committing any form of gender based violence, that such behavior will not be tolerated and that they will feel the full might of the law. She also appealed to victims to break the silence and expose abusers.