For many South Africans, the Day of Reconciliation on 16 December is a day of reflection, unity, and healing. However, for a 20-year-old woman from Mathibestad, the day became a painful turning point, marking a life-altering event. The young woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, recently shared her story of what she describes as a traumatic encounter that has left her struggling to find peace and justice.
The incident took place after the woman attended a gathering at a friend’s house in the RDP area of Mathibestad. Around 5:30 p.m., she decided to leave and head home. Her friend, disappointed by her early departure, walked with her to the taxi stop. The two exchanged some words as they reached the street where taxis typically stop, and it was at that point that two men approached them. One of the men asked where the woman was headed, and after a brief conversation, he offered to walk her home, explaining that taxis were hard to come by due to the holiday.
The woman, familiar with the man and feeling a bit uneasy about the late hour, agreed to the offer. He suggested they walk to his house, where he could perhaps offer her a lift. Upon arriving at his home, the woman noticed there was no car in the garage. He assured her that the car was in another yard and convinced her to keep walking with him. It was at this moment that the situation took a distressing turn.
As they passed through a cemetery on their way to the next street, the man’s behavior became inappropriate. The woman described how he took advantage of the situation, leaving her feeling vulnerable and trapped. Afterward, the man told her to compose herself and smile, asking her not to speak to anyone as they walked to her home. Once he left, the woman rushed to a neighbor’s house for support. Her family was contacted, and she was taken to the hospital and later to the police to report the incident.
Since the report was made, the woman has expressed concern and frustration over the lack of action from the authorities. She claims that the man has remained in the area and that he has even sent people to try and dissuade her from proceeding with the case. Despite several attempts to reach the police, she feels that little has been done to hold him accountable. “He’s still in the area, and I want him to be held responsible,” she said, reflecting on her growing sense of hopelessness.
The police have confirmed that the case was reported on 16 December, and the investigation is ongoing. Colonel Adele Myburgh from the North West police’s Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offenses (FCS) unit stated that no arrest has been made yet but assured the public that investigations continue.
This young woman’s story highlights the emotional toll that such experiences take, as well as the challenges survivors face when seeking justice. Her courage in speaking out is a call for greater support and action from authorities to ensure that those affected by such traumatic events can find the closure and accountability they deserve.