Infant rape crisis jolts South Africa: 21,000 incidents in 2000: "Raping babies does not cure AIDS"

CNN ^ | December 11, 2001 | Charlayne Hunter-Gault

[SocialMeltdown]

A wave of infant rapes has left South Africa shocked and outraged.

In recent weeks, authorities have reported nearly a dozen rapes of infants. A 5-month-old girl was the latest victim. Two male suspects -- one 17, the other 24 -- were charged with the crime.

[bulldawg]

"This is an indictment to our society," she said. "This is an indictment to our country. What is it we have not done?"

Why don't you try rationality, education, science, medicine and a little bit of basic human decency. Then continue by throwing out your ignorant president.

[Bahbah]

Not a nice place to visit. Not a nice place to live.

[Constitution Day]

Ever been there?

[isom35]

oh please. you dont have to have been there to know its a bad place. as spock once said, "if i drop a hammer where there is positive gravity, I dont have to look at it to know it has fallen to the ground" p.s. spock said this during Kirk's court-martial

[pabianice]

Not possible. Why, just last month, the Boston Globe proclaimed the new South Africa to be the paradise they knew it would become once evil white racist heterosexual colonial oppressors had been vanquished.

[KC_Conspirator]

Madikizela-Mandela, Nelson Mandela's former wife, who heads the ruling African National Congress' women's movement, said the blame rests on everyone's shoulders.

No. This is to be totally blamed on the old ANC who runs the government now. You cannot blame this on the old white government, colonialization, or any other racial scapegoat you have blamed your countries' current problems before.

So this is what happens when liberals go AMOK in a country. They see the oppressive white police force get out of hand during the time of aparthied. So they basically end any sort of crime fighting. Then what happens? Crime gets so bad that they are about to become a 3rd world country.

[keithtoo]

Quick...someone find a way to blame this on colonialism....then RUN IT!!

[sandydipper]

What a cesspool. They are also raping the country. You can bet that the present bureaucrats will steal the wealth from the country and leave. Then the Ted Kennedy's can "stop the starvation".

[jla]

"Responsible men and women must go out and seek out those men who abuse women and children," Madikizela-Mandela said, according to Reuters.

The same Winnie who ordered the infamous 'necklacings'.

[Arthur McGowan]

How many former wives does Saint Nelson Mandela have?

[pabianice]

>>The same Winnie who ordered the infamous 'necklacings'.

Apparently. She hasn't been the same since she lost her private harem of 18-year-old stud "soccer players." After that, a 75-year-old husband just didn't make it.

[Bahbah]

No, but the country has always interested me. I read "Cry the Beloved Country" and "Too Late the Phalarope"years ago, have read lots about the Boer Wars and not too long ago read a book called "The Smell of Apples" and another very interesting novel of more contemporary times the name of which escapes me. It's a fascinating place but I fear it is lost.

[hypatia]

It is my understanding that "rape insurance" is now being
sold in South Africa.
Incredible!

[Prodigal Son]

Not a nice place to visit. Not a nice place to live.

I found it to be a nice place to visit. Would really like to go back as a matter of fact, thinking about taking holiday there during this winter. Also lived there for a while. Could've been a lot worse. I enjoyed my time there.

[Lizavetta]

You're right. Read on:

Protection against rape seen to be best policy

JOHANNESBURG -- A South African medical aid company said yesterday it would launch a special rape insurance policy -- the second company to do so in two months. The LifeSense medical insurance group said it had devised a policy in conjunction with Lloyds of London that would cost R11 a month and provide rape victims with medical and psychological treatment worth R14000.

The policy will pay for anti-Aids drugs for rape victims, and special payouts could be made to help victims upgrade security at their homes, the company said in a statement.

"In an environment where rape is so pervasive we need to extend protections to rape survivors in the families," said LifeSense MD Angus Rowe. However, when another company launched a similar policy recently, it provoked an outcry.

Anti-rape groups accused the company of trying to turn a profit out of crime. -- Sapa-AFP

[Cuttnhorse]

Novels are a good way to learn something of the country; however, I recommend, The Africans by David Lamb. It's a little dated as Lamb was a reporter in Africa in the '80s, but NOTHING has changed. Lamb traces the history of African countries from independence and does a great job with wit and humor.
His biggest error in judgement was predicting that Zimbabwe would be the model for black rule in post colonial Africa. Maybe someday.

[Cuttnhorse]

I worked in the bush of northern Tanzania for almost two years and unbelievably, the natives believe that HIV can be cured by having sex with a virgin.
Witch doctors are still an important part of their health-care system in the bush and witch doctor contests are big draws.
Cheers from an ex-mazungo

[hypatia]

Hopefully if you travel there this winter,
you won't bring an infant or young child with you!

[Constitution Day]

"The LifeSense medical insurance group said it had devised a policy in conjunction with Lloyds of London
that would cost R11 a month and provide rape victims with medical and psychological treatment worth R14000."

I believe that at the current exchange rate, $1.00 = R11.00 (approximately).

FRegards,
CD