South Africans protest against increase in rapes

Hundreds of South Africans have marched through the streets of Johannesburg to protest about the country's increasing number of rapes.

It came on the eve of a bail application by six men accused of raping a 9-month-old girl last month.

Church groups, political leaders and sports figures joined the demonstration, part of a nationwide campaign against the abuse of children and women.

"Violence against women and children is like pledging a war against ourselves as a nation," said Kamal Sait, a soccer player with the Orlando Pirates.

More than 21,000 child rapes were reported in 2000; the actual number is suspected to be much higher. Several recent rapes of infants have focused national attention on the crimes.

To add to the crisis about 11 percent of South Africans are HIV positive.

South African leaders have condemned the recent sexual attacks on children and condemned a myth that sleeping with a virgin cures AIDS.