“I think people who rape are those who like rough sex. Those who would want to pin down girls, handcuff them, and do all those shenanigans. I think the problem arises when their partners that they are dating when they are not into that. They end up taking it by force, making them feel stronger and dominant.”

Lefa jots down the notes and asks us a question. “If rape is sex, then what makes it so and why is it so traumatising afterwards?”

I respond. “Invasion of someone else’s body. It’s like they take something that is close, personal and it’s a treasure to you without your permission. So victims feel like their body is violated.”

“Why do you think these cases of rape just keep on escalating while we have police? Is our law failing us?” Lefa asks.

“Many victims don’t report rape because they are scared that no one will believe them. The other thing is that they are raped by the people they are so close with, and somehow somewhat they are dependent on them. It gets kind of tricky to report,” I say.

“How can rape be minimised or rooted out, according to you?” Lefa asks me.

“Well, I think the harsher the sentence, the lesser the cases of rape will be. Think about it guys, back then, you were executed or banished from the people when you have raped. That’s why the cases were not high like they are nowadays,” I say.

Lefa interviews me again. “So are you saying the government should implement back the death penalty again?”

I reply, “I think, yes. Or maybe there should be like a ruling that says if you have raped, they cut your penis off. That way rape will fall like its being pulled down by gravity.”

Sello and Tshepang are gawking at me, with extreme shock. Tshepang, holds his front trouser with his hand like he is feeling his manhood. He jokes sincerely, “Just imagine when they cut my penis off. I would never be a man ever again.”

We laugh and start to regain focus back on our discussion.

“That makes sense, Daa T,” Lefa jots down again on his notepad.

“Thanks guys, I really appreciate your inputs. Now I have a clear start for my assignment. I’ll need to go to a police station, interview some detectives and get some insights of why do rapists rape. Then, I’ll gather all the information and present in front of the class. Wish me luck guys,” Lefa shoves the notepad and pen inside his bag-back.

Sello speaks again, “Lefa, did you know that people fear public speaking more than death?” We all look at Sello with disbelief. He continues, “I read it somewhere on FunDza guys.”

We all laugh and start eating our snacks.

It’s great for me to chat with my friends. I know every day that I’m with them, there’s always something new to learn. I just hope that these rapists will be put in a dark hole, and never see the light in their life. I don’t understand how a human being can be so heartless and cruel towards others. They don’t deserve to be in our society.

If you’ve been raped or abused, please report it to the nearest police station. Or talk to anyone you trust so you can offload this burden you are carrying on your own.

***

Tell us: What punishment should be given to rapists?