The case against a suspect accused of raping a 20-year-old woman from Khayelitsha will resume next week.
Siyabonga Zono allegedly abducted the victim at knifepoint on
31 March 2025 as she was returning home from a boxing tournament. Zono is
accused of dragging her to various locations in Khayelitsha, where she was
believed to have been repeatedly raped throughout the night.
The victim’s name is known to Bush Radio News, but will
protect her identity.
Zono made his second appearance for a formal bail
application; The case was postponed to Wednesday, 14 May 2025, for bail
application as the investigating Officer was unavailable.
In a social media post, the victim said “That day I was
watching little Cwecwe’s story, I didn’t know I was next. I almost died that
day, still shocked ba ndisinde njani!? I don’t blame God for putting me in this
position, I’m grateful that I’m still alive.”
“I speak up because the next girl deserves to be safe. If
my voice can help stop even one attack, then I have to use it. We have to end
this.”
NGO, Ilitha Labantu, held a No Bail Picket in front of the
Khayelitsha Magistrates Court, on Tuesday.
‘’ Ilitha Labantu stands in full solidarity with
[the victim] and her family. As she navigates the legal system, we continue to
provide court support, guidance, and advocacy to ensure her rights are protected
and that justice is pursued. Violence against women has no place in our
society. Perpetrators must be held accountable, and the justice system must be
at the centre of ensuring the safety, rights, and dignity of survivors,’’ said
Siyabulela Monakali, Ilitha Labantu spokesperson.
A youth development boxing club, The Boxing Stance, shared
Illatha Labantu’s sentiments.
‘’We urge everyone to stand in solidarity with her, to demand justice, to support her recovery, and to say enough is enough. The alleged rapist - Siyabulela Zono has no place in our society until justice is realized. As we talk about Gender Inclusion in Boxing, can we also stand in the forefront of addressing the social ills young women face such as safety in the rise of Gender Violence (sic)’’
Done By: Mitchum George
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