Rape and sexual assault a major concern in Alex
JOBURG - Liquor has been identified as a major cause for many of the rape cases and sexual assault in Alexandra.
Liquor has been identified as a major cause for many of the rapes and sexual assaults in Alexandra.
Johannes Tau, acting head of visible policing in the Alexandra Cluster presented crime statistics during a visit by the MEC of Community Safety, Sizakele Nkosi Malobane.
The MEC’s visit to the Alexandra Police Station was part of the Women’s Month programme on the prevention of gender-based violence and substance abuse.
Tau said Alexandra had a serious rape and sexual assault problem. “Most of our cases happen on weekends in the early hours of the morning, with liquor playing a vital role in the rape cases,” he said. “Some of the cases are domestic related. We need to educate our men and children within our communities.”
He pleaded with women to stop walking alone in the early hours of the morning as they become targets.
“We are not saying ladies must not walk alone, we are in a democratic society. But most of the women who are being raped are walking alone, [having left] the drinking places in the early hours of the morning.”
According to Tau most incidents occur in Sector 2 which is from 1st Avenue to 13 Avenue between London Road and Vasco da Gama Street.
Another challenge for Alex police is pinpointing where the crime has taken place. “Most houses are improperly marked or have no proper address. It becomes difficult for the police to locate where the incident actually took place,” said Tau.
