A GUGULETHU family in Western Cape is in shock after a woman reported a disturbing ordeal.
She alleged that her uncle raped her during an umgidi ceremony on 4 August.
According to the victim's aunt, the family spent the day celebrating at the ceremony.
Later that night, they sat together in the same room where the victim would sleep.
Around midnight, everyone left the room, including the uncle, but the aunt alleges he later returned and committed the assault.
The woman told Daily Sun she woke up to find a man in close physical contact with her and was stunned to see it was her uncle.
She said he left the room immediately after she pushed him away.
She reported the incident to her aunt, and the man allegedly left early the next morning without greeting anyone.
The family later tried to confront him, but he denied the allegations and allegedly became aggressive towards the niece.
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The aunt said they reported the case to the local police station.
However, more than a week later, no arrest has been made, despite providing the suspect's home and work addresses.
"My niece is heartbroken, and it feels like the system is failing her," the aunt said.
She mentioned that some family members are siding with the suspect, despite the niece being the victim.
Western Cape police spokesman Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed the matter is under investigation.
"The circumstances surrounding this incident are now the subject of an investigation by the South African Police Service. According to reports, the complainant attended a ceremony in Gugulethu. She, however, went to sleep and was woken in the early hours of 4 August 2025. She became aware of the presence of a male figure on top of her," said Swartbooi.
He said the Nyanga Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit is investigating a case of sexual assault.
The suspect has not yet been arrested.
Police have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
