Bernard Da Fraetas. pic supplied
Cape Town - The daughter of convicted rapist Bernard Da Fraetas, is set to appear in the Mitchell’s Plain family court after allegedly sending harassing messages to the victim.
This was revealed as the 52-year-old woman sought help from the court and obtained an interim protection order against daughter, Lizelle Lindewal, who claimed that if Da Fraetas’s wife died as a result of the conviction, the victim would be blamed.
The matter started earlier this month, when the 69-year-old Da Fraetas from Atlantis was convicted by the Mitchell’s Plain Regional Court for raping his niece more than 40 years ago.
Da Fraetas was thrust into the spotlight two years ago when his niece broke her silence on the alleged sex attacks that took place in the 1980s.
She decided to bring her story to light after learning that her uncle was working as a school staff transport driver. A rape case was registered at Mitchell’s Plain SAPS and another relative who was only five years old, also came forward.
Da Fraetas made his first appearance in court in September 2023 and was granted R1 000 bail as his trial was set for July 2024.
He returned to court this month where he was convicted.
The victim said: “On the day it became public, she immediately texted me saying that if my aunty dies as a result of the conviction I would be blamed. Some relatives also contacted the other victim, lashing out at her for the fact that he had been found guilty. I went to apply for the protection order because we have already been through so much and now, even after he is found guilty, we must be harassed by the family for something he did. Why don’t they harass their father for what he did to us?”
All she wanted was to be left alone as she continues with her healing journey, she said.
“I have asked my lawyers to indicate to the court that we want a final protection order to prevent them from contacting us. The court found him guilty and they have to accept it and leave us alone. We have already been through 40 years of trauma.”
According to the court-issued notice, the application will be heard on February 7.
Lindewal told the Cape Argus she had not yet been served the notice to appear in court and declined to comment further.
Caroline Peters of the Callas Foundation said they are rallying to protest at court on the day and warns relatives of suspects to desist from harassing victims.
“It is unacceptable that she faces harassment and victim-blaming, especially from within her family. This behaviour perpetuates the harm caused by the perpetrator, who alone is responsible for the pain and disruption. We are committed to supporting her through the court process and beyond, ensuring she feels safe and empowered. Survivors are never to blame for the consequences of exposing abuse. We call on the community to stand with survivors, reject victim-blaming, and hold perpetrators accountable to create a society rooted in justice and dignity.”
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