Abstract:
The study investigated trends of rape in Mankweng area between the years 2009
and 2012. The number of cases reported per year, age of victims, area of
occurrence, victim/perpetrator relationship, month of occurrence, day and time of
occurrence and the victim’s rape occurrences were investigated. Archival research
design was employed by studying victim’s records at Thuthuzela Care Centre, using
a self-designed data organization sheet. Descriptive statistics was applied in
analysing data. The following are the findings: there is an increase in the number of
rape incidents, girls aged between 13- 19 years are at risk of being raped. The
victims are likely to be raped by an unknown perpetrator. Rape is more likely to take
place during the month of September. Most cases occur during weekends at night in
the semi-urban part of Mankweng. There are more first-time victims and rape cases
involved only one perpetrator.
