Mitchells Plain police have arrested a 20-year old man for the rape of a six-year-old boy, but residents say they have the wrong suspect.
Instead, they say its the child’s own father, 54, who abused him.
On Tuesday night, angry community members threatened to harm the father at his home, claiming he had beaten and raped the boy for years.
Cops were called to the scene where they escorted the man to safety.
The boy then made a statement to police and the 20-year-old man was arrested.
But community leaders, who asked not to be identified, claim the child was forced to make a false statement after being threatened.
“This child is forced to sleep next to the (54-year-old) perpetrator and he is beaten with a wooden stick against his legs,” says a woman.
“When the police asked him who did these things to him, he said it was the 20-year-old, but that is because he is scared of his real attacker.
“We as a community do not want that man here. We want him to be arrested.”
The Daily Voice went to the family’s house on Thursday but was told the boy and his mother were “not available for comment”.
It is understood the child is also being treated for a sexually transmitted disease.
Police spokesperson, Captain FC van Wyk, confirms: “A case of rape was registered at Mitchells Plain after the victim, a 6-year-old male, reported that he was raped by a known adult male suspect.
“The incident took place on March 3 in Tafelsig. A 20-year-old male is in custody and is expected to soon appear in court.”