'She is going to put him behind bars for what he did to her'
Former City of Cape Town subcouncil manager Raphael Martin.
Image: File
The mother of a minor accusing former Mitchells Plain sub-council manager Raphael Martin of rape says her daughter “will put him behind bars for what he did to her”.
The trial against Raphael Martin continued at Mitchells Plain Regional Court on Thursday as the victim’s cross-examination concluded, leaving her mother proud for speaking out.
Martin faces charges of sexual assault, sexual penetration, rape, attempted rape and sexual violation of a minor girl and was busted in 2020 after three years of assaults when the brave girl from Strandfontein broke her silence.
The victim was supported by her mother, family and friends and a member of the Mitchells Plain Community Policing Forum (CPF).
The proceedings were heard in camera as the rapes started when she was nine years old. The last time the former uMkhonto weSizwe comrade allegedly sexually assaulted her was before Father’s Day on 16 June 2020.
The case sparked widespread outrage when it was revealed that Martin was also allegedly found in possession of child porn as the City of Cape Town also investigated his conduct.
Martin was sent to prison where officials served a notice on him for a disciplinary hearing.
He was later released on R1 000 bail and fired by the municipality.
The victim’s mother told the Cape Argus' sister newspaper, the Daily Voice that she was proud of her daughter as she kept her composure during cross-examination.
The mother said: “I am just glad that it is finally coming closer towards the end, her life needs to go on. We as a family are tired, but justice will prevail.
“She is going to put him behind bars for what he did to her physically and emotionally.
“We are burning that candle and her voice is a voice for all and for other victims that are afraid to face their perpetrators. It has been years and she has finished matric, she is working now and yet she is fighting for justice.”
The trial continues on November 6 for the defence to call their witnesses to testify.