WESTERN CAPE - There's outrage in the farming town of Citrusdal, after a local businessman was arrested for allegedly grooming, and sexually assaulting a 12 year-old girl.
The accused, a petrol station manager, is said to have lured the child, under the guise of helping her with schoolwork. However, after spending some time with the child, the child texted the mother about a secret that she did not want to share because she was afraid that people would not believe her.
Billy Claasen, an activist, claims that there are unconfirmed cases where the same perpetrator was involved and the police failed the community. Speaking on behalf of the community, Claasen says the perpetrator should not be granted bail because he will likely intimidate the parent because of his ties in the community and his position where the mother works.
This case is sadly only one of numerous cases that have been happening in this community.
The alleged perpetrator has appeared in the Citrusdal Magistrate's Court, with the case postponed to the 6th of November.