There were tears of joy to the family that has been subjected to horrendous torture for three years.

TO THE RESCUE

The family of six?s tears were finally wiped away on Thursday when African Congress for Transformation (ACT) Spokesperson Prince Mabena came to their rescue them from the years of abuse. The abused were two boys and four girls which is based in Nelspruit in Mpumalanga who live with their unemployed mother offered to assist them to reopen rape cases at the local police station. According to Mabena, three years ago the family?s tragedy fell upon them when one of the daughters was raped and further violated by a well-known criminal in the area. "She was raped next to the pathway and as she screamed for help no one came to her rescue. The daughter was dragged by assailant to his place and repeatedly raped. A rape case was opened at the police station and the traditional Chief was notified. The suspect was arrested and taken to court. The police dragged their feet in pursuing the matter.

ARSON CASE

"This led to their home being burnt down by unknown people, but they survived the arson attack. The terror did not end as hitmen were hired to intimidate the family, they held them hostage for more than 3 hours and tried to intimidate them into dropping the charges. They survived this ordeal again," he said. Mabena said that the child who was raped has been iving in fear of the perpetrator and dropped out of school due to fear of the perpetrator. "The community did not support to the mother and soon turned to victim-blaming. Disappointingly, she was failed by the state, the traditional leadership and by the community. The matter of their daily hardship has been reported again which stands for the protection of women and children. We proudly stand against GBV will leave no stone unturned. The police have a responsibility to account to the family and legal system about their many delays and lack of responsiveness," he said. Mpumalanga Saps spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli (waiting for comment)