Raped gogo's agony finally ends

A YEAR of suffering for raped 62-year-old gogo from Ekurhuleni has come to an end after her perpetrator was found guilty of abduction and rape by the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court.

Since her traumatic rape in 2023, gogo faced secondary victimisation from neighbours who allegedly called her a liar and a drunkard.

She was forced out of her home, ended up living in a shack, turned to alcohol, and almost given up on seeking justice.

But the court decision on 13 August has brought some relief to gogo's life.

Speaking to Daily Sun, gogo, with a smile on her face, gogo said: "Finally, the world believes me. Now, I can say the man who raped me is guilty. For a year, people shamed me and said I was lying, but now my story is out there, and people can see the truth."

Daily Sun initially reported her ordeal on 21 February with the headline: "SCARED GOGO: ‘He raped me until morning'."

A follow-up revealed that police allegedly released the man the next day.

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When gogo inquired, the investigating officer reportedly offered her KFC and a six-pack of beer and allegedly suggested that the man would pay her R1 000 if she dropped the charges.

Almostly hopeless, gogo turned to alcohol to deal with her pain.

Speaking on her path to drinking, gogo said booze was her only solution to forgeting her pain.

"He ruined mine and my 16-year-old son's life. I watched my son lose me to alcohol. I had no strength to fight it because it was easier to stay drunk than sober due to the unbearable pain. Every day, I hoped and prayed for justice," she said.

Guided by prayer, gogo found strength in her faith, hoping for justice to prevail. Although the court's decision is a significant milestone, gogo acknowledges that her path to healing is ongoing.

"I'm still healing and in pain but keep telling myself to keep going for my son. He's my pillar of strength. I want a better life for him, a beautiful home, and to work on our relationship," gogo said.

Gogo said forgiveness is the last thing on her mind.

Non-profit organisation Kathorus Parliament director Pearl Mazibuko, who has been at the forefront in getting justice for gogo, said a harsh sentence should be handed over to the perpetrator.

"We hope and pray this young man gets everything he deserves. In court, after the judgment, he showed no remorse, as he was waving to his boss and a friend in the gallery as he made his way to the cells."