A young woman named Nkongho Rebecca was recently the victim of a shocking rape incident that shocked the Ndokoti neighbourhood of Douala. The perpetrator, Franky, had assistance from an accomplice. The assailants, armed with a dagger, forcibly took the victim to a residence in Ndopsibbi, where she endured multiple instances of sexual abuse. The perpetrators then demanded a ransom of 2 million francs for her release.
The victim’s bravery inspired the filing of a complaint, which resulted in a prompt investigation. The suspects, Franky, and his accomplice, were apprehended with the weapon used in the assault in their possession.
Awaiting trial at the Ndokoti High Court, Frank Zeno Messina, the alleged rapist and kidnapper, claims to have been under the influence of marijuana during the incident. On the other hand, Kamga, the 23-year-old alleged accomplice, denies any involvement with the victim, asserting that the only connection between him and the crime was the dagger found in his possession.
This incident sheds light on the pervasive issue of rape in Cameroon, where instances of sexual violence and assault are reported throughout the country. The root causes of this problem are complex, encompassing cultural norms that perpetuate gender inequality and violence against women, coupled with a deficiency in effective legal mechanisms to address and prevent such crimes.
Efforts have been made in recent years to raise awareness and enhance support services for survivors of sexual violence. Nevertheless, there is an urgent need for comprehensive action to tackle the underlying causes of this pervasive issue and ensure accountability for perpetrators.
Highlighting the legal standpoint, Section 296 of the Cameroon penal code explicitly states that anyone who, through force or moral coercion, compels another person, regardless of age, to engage in sexual intercourse, faces imprisonment ranging from five to ten years. It underscores the gravity of the offence and emphasises the need for a robust legal framework to combat such heinous crimes.
