A Bonteheuwel teenager is behind bars until 9 April, until he returns to the Bishop Lavis Magistrates Court to face the sexual assault charge against him.

The boy (said to be around 14- or 15-years old) was arrested on a charge of rape in Bonteheuwel on Monday. The incident allegedly took place on Saturday – and a teenage girl is said to be the victim. According to Graham Lindhorst, of the Bishop Lavis Community Policing Forum, the alleged perpetrator and victim had been living in a foster home together.

Western Cape police say the circumstances of the incident is still under investigation.

Arrest

The teen suspect was arrest on Monday, 25 March. But his arrest was not an easy feat for police. At the time of his arrest, Lindhorst says angry residents crowded outside the suspect’s home “to get to him”.

“There was a scuffle between SAPS members as well as members of the community, so much so that SAPS had to bring in more police officers to assist them… to get the out [of the house], to get him into the van and to the police station.”

Community protest

Lindhorst says residents are also angry at that the perpetrator is allegedly behind several sexual assault incidents at the foster home. The Social Development Department has apparently taken the alleged victim of Saturday’s incident, and alleged victims of prior similar incidents into its care.

“SAPS managed to then get safely out of the house five other teenage girls, that was also raped by that [boy]. So, there’s six [alleged victims] all together that was at that house.”

The foster mother is under scrutiny as well. According to Lindhorst, community members feel that she did not protect the children in the home.

Court appearance

Bonteheuwel ward councillor, Angus Mackenzie, says the suspect has “declined a bail application” and returns to court on 9 April 2024.