Taking A Bite Out Of Crime

A controversial South African invention-- a female condom-like anti-rape device dubbed the “rape trap”, is almost ready to hit the market after months of waiting for patent verification.

The device, known as Rapex, has stirred controversy around the world but its inventor, Sonnet Ehlers, is preparing the final pre-production phase after seven years of waiting.

The controversy has raged over whether the device, which has fish-like teeth that attach to the head and shaft of the penis, is a medieval device built on a hatred of men or whether it is an easy-to-use invention that could free millions of South African women from fear of rape. In the latest crime statistics, South Africa recorded a staggering 54,926 rape cases, giving it one of the worst sexual assault records in the world.

Since publicly announcing her invention one-and-half years ago, Ehlers has shot to international fame, stirring a worldwide debate about the merits of her anti-rape device.

She has been on talk radio shows in England and Australia and even South American journalists have descended on Kleinmond to interview her. Critics say that the device harkens back to “the concept of chastity belts" and would incite injured rapists to kill their victims. "This is a medieval instrument, based on male-hating notions and fundamentally misunderstands the nature of rape and violence against women in this society," said Charlene Smith, one of South Africa's most prominent campaigners against rape. It is vengeful, horrible, and disgusting. The woman who invented this needs help."

"I am not a male hater, but why must the woman always be the one degraded by rape?" said Ehlers. Even Rape Crisis Cape Town argues that Rapex is not a solution to the social problem of rape. They have argued that such a device increases women's vulnerability to violence. But for Ehlers, this device-- which is inserted in the vagina-- could give women vital seconds to escape the rapist while he was busy dealing with his pain.

"The surprise factor will give women a chance to escape," says Ehlers, explaining that the rapist would be in great pain as the 25 teeth attach themselves to the shaft of the penis.

The rapist also has to contend with the fact that only a doctor can remove the fish-like teeth. "I want these men to be identified. I want a way that will prove that penetration took place," said Ehlers.

With production scheduled for next month, Ehlers said the product will be mass-produced in China to keep costs down.

Article: Sivuyile Mangxamba, Pretoria News; Photo: Reuters