When Justice Delays, Communities Divide: A GBV Case in Crisis

Moseamedi Molin

By: Moseamedi Molin

When Justice Delays, Communities Divide: A GBV Case in Crisis
A 35-year-old man was arrested on 29 June 2025 after being accused of raping his girlfriend of eight years, with whom they had been living since at Ga Selepe’s village.
After the young man was arrested, his family apologized to the girlfriend’s family with an amount of
R3000, hoping that the girl would cancel the case. Weeks passed, and the girl didn’t cancel the case,
but they took the money. The young man went to court when he appeared, but the court system
was not working, and the young man was sent back to the cells. The case was remanded again. The
community felt hurt and angry because they rented cars and collected money to support the young
man, but he was not given bail. The community called a meeting to share what they could do to
show the young man support and love, as he was a member of the EFF and was helping people in his
village with other services.
The community discovered that the girl had been bribed with an amount of R15 000.00 by another
candidate who wants to become a councillor next year. The young man was falsely accused of rape,
so he could not contest to become a Councillor next year. Last week, the community went to the
court, and the case was remanded again. The next court appearance will be held at Praktiseer on 15
July 2025, and then they will hear if the young man is being granted bail or not.
People have tried to talk to the girl, but she does not show signs of regret at all.