Times Of Swaziland: GUARD ALLEGEDLY RAPES GIRL WITH AUTISM AT FLATS

GUARD ALLEGEDLY RAPES GIRL WITH AUTISM AT FLATS
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Joseph Zulu on 02/12/2023 06:29:00


MBABANE – The whole point of having a security guard is to ensure safety.
However, in a shocking turn of events, a 13-year-old girl suffering from autism,
whose identity has been withheld for ethical reasons because she is a minor and
also alleged survivor of rape. The minor was allegedly subjected to a horrific
ordeal that has left tenants of a block of flats in Mbabane reeling. Autism,
also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encompasses a broad range of
conditions characterised by challenges with special skills, repetitive
behaviour, speech and nonverbal communication. It is a lifelong development
disability that affects how individuals communicate and interact with the world.
It is alleged that a security guard who is said to have been stationed by a
security company, allegedly raped the very same person who he was hired to
ensure thier safety and that of other tenants. The alleged rape incident is said
to have occurred at a guardhouse, which the security guard uses to monitor
people coming in and out of the premises. The incident has brought to light the
dangers of sexual violence. It is alleged that the incident happened last
Thursday evening at around 7pm.
According to reports, the survivour, referred to as *Jena, was allegedly lured
by the security guard. It is alleged that the security guard, whose state of
sobriety was reportedly questionable, proceeded to commit the heinous act
without the use of protection, exposing Jena, not only to mental and physical
trauma but also the risk of sexually transmitted infections.
Screamed
It is alleged that when the girl realised what her attacker is said to have been
doing to her, she screamed for help. The security guard is then said to have
fled from the guardhouse and the matter was reported to the police for
investigation. This distressing event has come to the fore at a time when the
country is actively participating in the 16 Days of Activism against
Gender-based violence, a period dedicated to promoting non-violence against
women and children. The timing of this alleged assault serves as a stark
reminder of the urgent need to address the pervasive issue of gender-based
violence (GBV) in our society.
Noteworthy, Eswatini is one of the countries around the world with tough laws
ensuring the safety of children. One such law is the Children’s Welfare and
Protection Act. Also, the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act is to ensure
the safety of children. When reporters from Eswatini News arrived at the block
of flats where the alleged rape is said to have taken place, some of the
occupants did not hesitate to recall the incident, though they said they could
not give further details as the matter had already been reported to the police.
Hospital
It was also gathered that the minor was also taken to hospital, due to the
physical trauma she is said to have suffered and also medical check-ups
considering the nature of the incident. The alleged rapist is said to have
referred to the teenager as mshana, a word which also means niece or nephew. It
could not be established whether the alleged culprit is a relative or he had
used the term mshana just for communicating. It is not uncommon for an adult to
refer to any child as mshana locally as a way of reference, while children can
refer to adult males as malume which means uncle.
The deputy Chief Police Information and Communications Officer, Inspector
Nosipho Mnguni, confirmed that a 31-year-old man from Gobholo in Mbabane has
been arrested in connection with the alleged rape. The arrest has provided a
glimmer of hope for justice in the wake of this deeply troubling incident. The
name of the arrested person is known to this publication, but will not be
mentioned for ethical reasons as he had not yet appeared in court by the time of
compiling this report.
The alleged rape has not only incited widespread outrage, but has also
galvanised the residents of the flats where the incident took place.
The tenants’ collective anger and concern reflect the gravity of the situation
and the urgent need for measures to prevent such atrocities from occurring in
the future. In the past, experts such as psychologists have warned that the
ramifications of rape extend far beyond the immediate physical violation, as it
could put the survivor’s life in jeopardy.
Further, that if left untreated, the traumatic experience and potential
infections can have severe and even lethal consequences. “This sobering
reality underscores the urgent need for comprehensive support and protection for
survivors of sexual violence,” a psychologist previously noted. An attempt was
made to reach a manager at the security company, where the alleged culprit is
said to have been working. However, the person contacted said that the right
authority to contact was the company that owns the flats where the incident
happened. The officials from the company could not be reached for comment. The
name of the company or the flats where the incident happened will not be
mentioned for ethical reasons to protect the minor from being identified.