AN angry and traumatised alleged rape victim (26) views Women's Month celebrations as an insult.
The 26-year-old victim feels vulnerable and undermined by the justice system.
She questions effectiveness of the legal process in protecting and supporting sexual assault survivors.
This comes after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Ladybrand Magistrates Court in the Free State released the perpetrator from police custody without her knowledge in March 2025.
The alleged rape survivor said lack of communication and consideration for her feelings and safety have traumatised her even more. It has made the pain and distress worse, she said.
The woman was allegedly raped by a white man in Ladybrand in 2022. The prosecutor allegedly withdrew her case without informing her.
The victim claimed she was shopping at a newly opened supermarket in Ladybrand when a security guard approached her. He told her that a certain manager wanted to see her.
"The manager asked if I was employed and requested my CV. I was told to submit it to his office. He asked for my contact details. To my surprise, he called me and said he was on his way to collect my CV," she said.
"When we met, we drove to his house where he informed me that I would be working as a domestic worker there."
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The victim further explained that while she was waiting to understand her new job, the perpetrator offered her booze.
"I told him I don't drink alcohol. He forced me to drink it. Immediately after drinking, I became dizzy and couldn't talk. He took me to his bed and raped me. He told me that all his female employees should start at his bedroom before getting the job," she claimed.
The victim alleged that she and her husband were the only ones consistently following up on the case.
She expressed shock and dismay when she learned in April that the case had been withdrawn without her knowledge or input.
The victim also pointed out that some of her case docket details were inaccurate. She felt hurt and betrayed when she discovered that the case had been withdrawn without her being notified.
The victim alleged that she was told the case was dropped because she did not report the incident within 24 hours.
She disputes this and states that she reported it shortly after the incident happened and provided her statement.
The victim has never been called to testify in court or received any updates on the case. She said she and her husband have had to make a follow-up themselves to get information about the status of the case, instead.
"I'm done with Women's Month celebrations. I've always watched politicians on TV pretending to fight gender-based violence. I've experienced it firsthand and seen no justice served," she said.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesman Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the matter is currently under investigation by both the senior management and the South African Police Service.
"Given the seriousness and sensitivity of the allegations, we are unable to provide detailed commentary at this stage, as doing so may compromise the integrity of ongoing investigations. A formal and comprehensive response will be issued across all media platforms once appropriate processes have been concluded," he said.
"We kindly request your patience and understanding in this regard. The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring accountability and upholding the rule of law by prosecuting cases without fear, favour, or prejudice."
