Dog-rape: Teen set to testify

2003-09-17 10:42

Johannesburg - The young girl reportedly forced to have sex with a dog by her employers is back in the care of social workers after she absconded more than a month ago, the authorities said on Wednesday.

The 15-year-old returned of her own accord on Tuesday evening in good time for the court case in which a 24-year-old man and his sister face charges that they forced her to have sex with a dog.

Previous accounts from the social services department suggest the teenager was severely traumatised by the event, the subsequent public outcry and was having difficulties coping with her experience. This was the third time she had absconded.

On September 3, Angie Motshekga, Gauteng MEC for social services and population development, said: "The child couldn't take the pressure around the case. The last time we went to visit her with the media, she broke down.

"She was feeling too crowded. It was quite clear she was not coping."

Being helped by social workers

Other reports suggested the child was depressed and suicidal at times.

Panyaza Lesufi of the department said that now the child was back in a place of safety every effort would be made to help her deal with the crisis, the court case and help her heal in a sustainable and meaningful way.

"She is being ring-fenced with social workers. The main task of the social workers is to check the reasons for her disappearance and to help this child become a model for all those who have been abused."

He said the department would liaise with the girl's two sisters who had been visiting her until her last disappearance.

Later this week, the department would hand over gifts from members of the public.

The gifts include cellphones, a palmtop, a computer with printer, 100 DVDs and 50 CDs.

- SAPA