Presents for survivors of Soyisiso Nofemele’s crimes. Photo by Mihle Pike.
19 December 2012
The Khayelitsha police stations held an event on 13 December to give Christmas presents to Soyisiso Nofemele’s rape victims. He is currently serving eleven life sentences for raping twelve children, murdering one of them and abducting another. The victims are between two and nine years of age.
Captain Van de Vyver said, “We cannot fully comprehend what these kids have gone through and what lies ahead for them. We wanted to support them as much as we can.”
The Khayelitsha police are sponsoring the children, paying for their school uniforms, school outings and other expenses. Most of the children’s parents are single and poor.
Warrant Officer Paul Moss said, “The majority of the children had to undergo reconstructive surgery. They are so young, so the damage caused was huge.” Moss continued that “Nofemele was silent throughout the whole trial. He only said that his mother used to beat him, saying that he reminded her of his father.”
Brenda Matabata from the NGO Free Gender was at the Christmas event. She said, “I was sad at the event but I was also there to celebrate the police’s hard work in catching the man and ensuring that he will pay for his wrong-doings. The joy that the police brought to the kids will help them look forward to a brighter future.”