'WE'RE CRUSHED'

A KHAYELITSHA rape survivor is fearing for her life after the man accused of abducting and raping her over and over at knifepoint was released on bail.

Siyabonga Zono stands accused of holding Ongeziwe Poni captive in a harrowing 12-hour ordeal on the night of 30 March 2025.

According to the victim’s statement, she was attacked at knifepoint and raped multiple times in separate locations, including a public toilet, an open field, and a shack where she was held overnight, while threatening to kill her if she made a sound.

However, Zono was released on bail following his fifth court appearance at the Khayelitsha Magistrates Court on 28 May.

The victim’s grandmother Veliswa Poni said ever since Ongeziwe identified the suspect, she has been threatened by the accused’s chommies.

The ouma says: “This has crushed us that he got bail. We don’t know who failed us in this.”

The court’s decision has left local civil society organisations and community members fuming.

The case has faced multiple delays, with the most recent postponement due to the absence of the investigating officer, who reportedly has not visited all the crime scenes.

Siyabulela Monakali, spokesperson for Ilitha Labantu, a women and children’s rights advocacy group, said of the ruling: “Despite the severity of the allegations, the investigation has been marked by a disturbing lack of urgency and seriousness.

“Such failures by law enforcement not only compromise the integrity of the case but send a demoralising message to survivors about the State’s commitment to justice.”

The group cited the accused’s release has further traumatising the survivor and noted that more than 1 800 members of the public had signed a petition opposing bail.

They called on the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to appeal the bail decision.

Adding to public criticism is men’s social movement Amadoda Qotho founder Lumkile Sizila, who expressed support for Poni and called for accountability in policing and prosecution.

He said: “We are not tolerant of any form of abuse and crime.

“Every day, women are raped and their rights to dignity, life and freedom of movement are violated. The Constitution obliges the State to respect, protect, promote and fulfil these rights.”