Two 17-year-old learners were granted bail after appearing before the Randburg Magistrate's Court for a gang-rape case involving three boys. The boys were initially charged for the rape of a 15-year-old girl in Midrand, north of Johannesburg. The Randburg Magistrate's Court withdrew charges against one of the three teenage boys, leaving two rape-accused boys in the dock. The two teenagers were granted R4,000 each and released into the custody of their parents, with strict bail conditions.
Dr Shaheda Omar, director at the Teddy Bear Clinic, said the boys' actions mirror the rot in South African society. She said the victims were likely victims themselves and that they were crying out for help. The Gauteng Department of Education stated that psychosocial support would be provided to the accused teenagers and the victim. Police Minister Bheki Cele stated earlier this year that while there had been a decrease in sexual offences reported, there remained a concern that there were 10,512 rape victims in the first three months of this year.
The fourth quarter crime statistics for the 2022/2023 financial year showed a 2.8% decrease in rape cases compared to the same period last year, with 4,768 rape incidents taking place at the home of the victim or the perpetrator.
