Ten years on: Achmat Benting's child victims reclaim their strength as women
Achmat Benting was sentenced to 63 years behind bars in 2015 for the unspeakable crimes he committed against his young neighbours in Beacon Valley, Mitchells Plain.
Trusted by the community as the affectionate "grandpa," Benting exploited this trust to sexually abuse children aged between 7 and 14 years old.
His evil crimes took place from 2010 to 2012, often when his wife wasn't around. Benting would lure the children with money to keep them silent about the abuse.
Now, a decade later, Benting is still serving his concurrent 25-year sentence in Pollsmoor Prison, while the survivors of his crimes have come forward to share their stories of healing.
One young woman, who was only seven when Benting violated her, has transformed her trauma into strength and is determined to help others facing similar ordeals.
In an exclusive interview with Weekend Argus she shared: "For me, it's been a rollercoaster. It took a while for me to overcome it, I couldn't trust men, until recently when I decided to give someone a chance.
"It used to trigger me to see such stories in the newspapers but afterwards I realised I could use this to help other young girls, to remind them that they are strong too, and that things will get better.
“Go forward, go for counselling, it does work, sometimes it just takes time for you to call yourself a survivor and not a victim. Do not be afraid to speak out."
The young lady's twin sister, who was also abused by Benting, is preparing to walk down the aisle in April.
Despite suffering from bipolar disorder and severe depression as a result of the abuse, she has found happiness and support in her partner, family and daughter.
She explained: "I was depressed for a long time. I didn't understand at the time that I was depressed or bipolar, but as I got older, I started to understand why I felt so different or angry, or heard voices a lot of the time.
“Right now, I am okay. I met someone who makes me happy and supports me. But I often think how different things would've been if that didn't happen because now I am in and out of the hospital still receiving counselling. But like my sister, it taught me to not give up and to stand strong."
Their mother, who attended every single court proceeding, hospital and police visits, is filled with pride and emotion as she watched her daughters grow into strong young women.
“It still hurts to think how traumatizing it must've been for them, but one thing I cannot take away is how brave they were and still are. They could've chosen totally different paths, but they kept their heads up."
The mom also mentioned reaching a point of forgiveness but still seeks answers from Benting.
"There was a few years ago where they came to us - correctional services - to say he wanted to say sorry and ask forgiveness.
“That time I wasn't ready, but now I think I am ready to see him and ask him, why? Why did you do that to my girls?
“I was also in your house when I dropped them with you and your wife, why didn't you perv on me instead? I want him to know that because of him my child is bipolar and has severe depression, but I also want him to know that he didn't break their spirits and that today they still smile and are the most loving women ever!"
The Department of Correctional Services spokesperson, Candice van Reenen, confirmed that Benting has not yet served his minimum detention period and is not being considered for parole.
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za