Bridgetown man sexually assaulted

A BRIDGETOWN ou was allegedly forced to his knees and sexually assaulted in a busy gangetjie and now the community is fuming after the suspect was granted bail and dumped in Delft, an area already plagued by GBV.

According to Daily Voice sources the victim was walking down a gangetjie on his way home on 22 July in Bridgetown when he was pinned down by the suspect and allegedly forced to give the ou a blowjob.

Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed: “This office can confirm a sexual assault case registered at Athlone SAPS for investigation. This case was transferred to Nyanga FCS for further investigation. 

“A 39-year-old suspect was arrested and appeared in the Wynberg Magistrates Court on 30 July for the mentioned charge.”

The court heard that the suspect applied for bail and was released on R1 000, however he is restricted from entering Bridgetown and he is not allowed to contact the victim, his family or any other witnesses.

The court further ordered that, during his release, he will live at an alternative address in Delft and the case was postponed to 8 October for further investigation.

The Callas Foundation have raised their concerns regarding the conditions as they say that Delft is known to have a high rate of gender-based violence incidents.

Programme director Phelisa Mashiyi explained: “The rape occurred in a public lane frequently used by residents, just after 8pm. The alleged perpetrator, when confronted, reportedly admitted to the act, showing a shocking lack of remorse. 

“The boldness of the attack and his behaviour raise significant concerns about the risk he may pose to other children and youth, not only in Bridgetown, but now in Delft.

“We cannot accept a system where the danger is not addressed, but simply displaced. Delft already faces significant challenges in child safety, and relocating a man accused of rape into this environment undermines community trust and places others at risk.”