Justice will be served in teen rape case: Radebe

(Image: GCIS)

"The minister hopes and expects the NPA and the courts to adopt an aggressive stance in prosecuting the suspect, who is appearing in the Vereeniging Magistrate's Court on Tuesday," Radebe's spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga said on Sunday.

Radebe has also assured the grandmother and the family of "the victim that justice will not only be done but manifestly seen to be done," said Mhanga.

According to media reports, the teenager was walking with her cousin along a pathway when a man in a car cornered them using a pepper spray before forcing the blinded girl into his car.

He drove off to a deserted area where he reportedly raped the girl. The girl was saved by two policemen who stopped after being suspicious of the car parked in the ditch.

Mhaga said Radebe has condemned the incident, especially in view of it being allegedly committed by a law enforcement official, who is expected to protect citizens.

"This incident flies in the face of government's tireless efforts of addressing the escalating rate of sexual violence against women and children."

As is the practice with all victims of sexual violence, counselling services are being provided to the girl.