"He said he would kill my son" - Mother narrates fear because Sangoma accused of raping her son could be released as case stalls
The wait for justice is a torturous journey for a mother in Alexandra, Johannesburg, whose 10-year-old son was allegedly raped by a traditional healer.
Haunted by the trauma her son endured and the ongoing threat from the accused, she lives in constant fear, her faith in the justice system dwindling as the trial drags on.
"He said he would kill my son once he is released," the mother reveals, her voice trembling with desperation. The accused, a Sangoma, has been behind bars since his arrest, but the prolonged legal process fuels the mother's anxiety. She describes the constant fear that grips her, fearing for her son's safety with each passing day.
The slow pace of justice is compounded by the knowledge that the alleged perpetrator is a figure of power and influence within the community. The Sangoma's purported ability to inflict harm, fueled by threats against her son, exacerbates the fear and uncertainty that engulfs her family.
The mother's story underscores the vulnerability of victims in cases involving traditional healers, where cultural beliefs can sometimes shield perpetrators from accountability. The prolonged trial and the accused's threats highlight the urgent need for a robust legal system that protects victims and delivers swift justice. It serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle against sexual violence and the emotional toll it takes on victims and their families.
As the case progresses, the mother's plea for justice resonates with a sense of urgency. Her resilience and unwavering dedication to her son's well-being stand as a testament to the strength of a mother's love, even amidst unimaginable fear and despair.
"He said he would kill my son once he is released," the mother reveals, her voice trembling with desperation. The accused, a Sangoma, has been behind bars since his arrest, but the prolonged legal process fuels the mother's anxiety. She describes the constant fear that grips her, fearing for her son's safety with each passing day.
The slow pace of justice is compounded by the knowledge that the alleged perpetrator is a figure of power and influence within the community. The Sangoma's purported ability to inflict harm, fueled by threats against her son, exacerbates the fear and uncertainty that engulfs her family.
The mother's story underscores the vulnerability of victims in cases involving traditional healers, where cultural beliefs can sometimes shield perpetrators from accountability. The prolonged trial and the accused's threats highlight the urgent need for a robust legal system that protects victims and delivers swift justice. It serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle against sexual violence and the emotional toll it takes on victims and their families.
As the case progresses, the mother's plea for justice resonates with a sense of urgency. Her resilience and unwavering dedication to her son's well-being stand as a testament to the strength of a mother's love, even amidst unimaginable fear and despair.
