Seven years on and domestic worker 'raped' by employer still awaits justice

• Published date: 11 May 2021
• Publication title: TimesLIVE (Johannesburg, South Africa)

Last month, as throngs of protesters descended on the Piet Retief magistrate's court to protest against the release of four farmers accused of shooting dead two brothers at their farm, Thandeka Mlambo* was in court for her matter, hoping the case would finally move forward.

But it was postponed again because the 38yearold's alleged rapist told the court, through his lawyer, that he was afraid to attend proceedings because of the protesters outside.

While the prosecution suggested court officials fetch the accused from his home, his defence team called for a postponement, which was granted, to the victim's dismay.

Members of the EFF, who are now supporting Mlambo, shed light on her ordeal when they shared a video of her seated outside the courtroom, crying and despondent that her case had been postponed again.

"I am sitting here because the 'white man' did not arrive in court because he is afraid of the people outside court. If they don't fetch him today, I will sit here until he is brought to court ... I'm waiting for this man because he has caused me pain for many years. I am tired, I am so tired," Mlambo cried.

She added that she felt the incident showed the justice system did not favour victims of crime.

"The court considered his feelings and safety, but what about mine? The court offered the option of him being escorted to court, but I arrive here by taxi and it's a difficult walk from the taxi to court, as I even fear bumping into him on my way there," she said.

The man's lawyer said his client did not want to comment because the matter was before court.

Mlambo said she secured employment at her alleged rapist's home at the end of February 2014.

"I worked there for three days and on the fourth I was raped by the man of the house. His wife had been out, dropping the kids at school, when the incident happened.

She beat me and told me that her husband would never sleep with a k****r.

*Thandeka Mlambo

"When his wife came back, she found me inside the house crying. I couldn't get out because their gates were automated and I didn't have a remote. I couldn't answer her when she asked why I was crying instead of working."

Mlambo said when she and the wife were alone, she told her what had happened.

"She beat me and told me that her husband would never sleep with a k****r."

Mlambo said she escaped from the wife and found her keys with the gate remote in the kitchen. She opened the gate and fled to the police station, where she reported the rape. She was taken...