“Rape is not a selective crime; it happens on streets, in cars, in schools, in a house. Be aware of the possibility of being raped… it could happen to you.”
So says Captain Lisa Munro, local police spokesperson, who also pointed out that most rape incidents reported at Atlantis Police Station occurred at Witsand.
“This is a big concern for the police,” she explained, “and proactive measures have been put in place to alert women to take care not to fall prey to this crime. The perpetrator’s pattern is to buy alcohol for the woman and expect sexual favours in return.”
Munro said in many cases when sex is refused by women suspects accompany the women home and force themselves on them.
Another scenario is when a woman is walking alone at night, often under the influence of alcohol, and they are followed and raped. “Women must also be wary of ex-partners,” she said, “especially those who want to rekindle the relationship, many of whom often rape the women when their overtures are rejected.”
The following, the spokesperson said, are the best defences and protection against possible rape: . Yelling, running away and calling the police; . Not letting someone you feel uneasy about isolate you; . Going to where others are; at night knocking at the nearest door; . Using one’s viewer or looking through the window to see who is outside before opening the door; . Teaching children not to let others into your home without your permission; . At a club or shebeen not leaving one’s drink unattended for it can be spiked. . Never leaving a club or shebeen alone with an unknown or known man, especially if one feels uneasy.
Remember it is never your fault if you are raped.
Munro said on the weekend of 14-16 October Atlantis police targeted Witsand for preventative action and held an integrated operation with LEAP officers (officers deployed to advance the City of Cape Town and Western Cape Government’s Law Enforcement Advancement Plan).
They executed eight roadblocks and traffic fines to the value of R12 000. Eleven illegal shebeens were searched and alcohol to the value of around R20 000 were confiscated. Such operations will be held regularly, especially closer to the Festive Season, Munro said.
Anyone with information on criminal activity in their area is urged to contact Crime Stop anonymously on 08600 10111 or download the MySAPS app and follow the prompts to provide information anonymously.
SAPS Crime Stop on 0860010111 or 021-5718500. All information will be treated with confidentiality.
