A community leader and founder of the Faith and Hope Missing Persons Unit, Veranique “Benji” Williams, says she understands the community’s frustrations after a man accused of raping a three-year-old girl in Eerste River was killed last Tuesday.
Kidnapped
The 39-year-old man allegedly kidnapped the girl while she was playing with other children and raped her. Angry community members attacked and killed him.
Williams says that, as someone who works closely with missing persons and vulnerable children, she understands the anger, fear and frustration that communities experience when a child goes missing. “However, I do not support vigilantism. Every suspect must be arrested and face the full might of the law. When communities take the law into their own hands, it can interfere with investigations, place innocent people at risk, and make it more difficult to secure justice for the victim and the family,” says Williams.
Williams says the child was reported missing and that a massive search operation involving the community, police, neighbourhood watch members and volunteers was launched. “As the investigation is still ongoing, it would not be appropriate to speculate on the exact circumstances surrounding her disappearance. We encourage the public to allow the police to complete their investigation. Communities are exhausted by crimes involving children, especially kidnappings, abuse and violence. Every child deserves to grow up safely, and every parent deserves peace of mind knowing their child can return home safely.
Public searches
“The public’s willingness to immediately mobilise and assist in searches shows that people care deeply and want to protect their children. At the same time, we urge communities to work together with law enforcement, report suspicious behaviour immediately, and remain vigilant so that more children can be kept safe,” says Williams.
She says they commend everyone who assisted in the search. “Our thoughts remain with her and her family as they begin the process of healing. We also thank all the emergency services, the police, community leaders and volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the operation.”
