A 27-year-old woman is facing both ends of the justice system after she was allegedly raped and assaulted by her then boyfriend and employer, only to be arrested for extortion shortly thereafter.
After the rape incident, on the very same night, she went to the police to lay a charge.
In the strive to get justice she had to sleep at the police station until she received the assistance she needed.
With the perpetrator being her employer as well, she demanded that he pay her the money owed for the days she had worked, as a matter seperate to the rape case.
Whilst she was processing the rape charge, however, the woman was arrested for extortion, along with the officers who were assisting her with the second matter.
This took a toll on her emotionally and psychologically.
She had not bathed since the alleged rape incident, as she was waiting to get tested.
In addition, after she was released on bail with relation to the extortion case, she again had to open another case regarding the original ordeal. She had been told that her rape case was closed because of her extortion case.
She was never informed of her alleged perpetrator appearing in court.
The woman and her family are very disappointed and dissatisfied with how her rape case was handled by the officials.
“I do not feel like myself anymore because of the incident, I have lost so much confidence in the justice system and with myself,” she said.
The victim and her family have inquired with the prosecutors handling the case, but have not received any answers yet.
She mentions that because of threats from the ex-boyfriend, she is having sleepless nights.
“When we hear cars we look out, thinking it is him because he would pass here with his car by our street at night.”
Sgt. Sinah Mpakane, SAPS spokesperson, says that the rape case will be placed back on the roll.
A court date is still to be set.
