The Cape High Court ruled on Thursday that a man who raped his niece about 50 years ago should pay R450 000 for damages caused, the Women’s Legal Centre (WLC) said.
Acting director Mary Caesar said the WLC is ”very pleased” that Esme van Zijl’s claim against her uncle, Imker Marais Hoogenhout, was successful.
”This is a significant award which takes into account the constitutional requirements that women and girls must be protected against sexual abuse and, particularly, rape,” said Caesar.
Van Zijl’s uncle raped her between the ages of six and 15. She is now in her late 50s. She reported the crime seven years ago.
On Thursday, the court ruled that her uncle should pay R450 000, including R200 000 for general damages.
Caesar said the court described the ordeal Van Zijl survived as a child as ”horrific”.
”All children have the right to be protected from abuse. We are happy therefore, that this adult survivor of child sexual abuse successfully claimed against her abuser so many years later,” said Caesar.
This shows that the country’s justice system protects victims of violence, she said. — Sapa