Justice for survivors: Zara Katovsky's powerful testimony after decades of silence

Three decades after her traumatic rape and indecent assault at the hands of a family acquaintance occurred, survivor Zara Katovsky (who gave permission for her name to be published) can finally let out a triumphant cry in celebration of liberation and the path to healing. 

During December last year, Clinton McMaster, 60, received a custodial seven year sentence for the rape and indecent assault he perpetrated against an innocent 11-year-old girl while living in her Bantry Bay family home. He was the family’s bookkeeper when the incidents occurred over a period of time between 1990 and 1991.

The 11-year-old girl is Katovsky - now an adult woman - who had gone through years of counselling, in an attempt to reclaim her freedom and healing and now shares her journey of hope with others who may be shackled by silence.

“For decades, the weight of what happened lived inside me - unspoken, unresolved. I had thought about reporting many times, but the truth is, I wasn’t ready. It takes everything to face something that once shattered you. I had to fight to heal, to reclaim my power, to become strong enough to carry this - not just for me, but for others too.

“During lockdown, everything resurfaced. The atmosphere mirrored the trauma: control, silence, helplessness. I felt trapped in the same powerless energy I had known as a child - voiceless, dominated, unsafe, isolated, terrified and alone. That was the tipping point. I could no longer stay silent. Reporting him was my line in the sand. It was how I took my power back, honoured the child I was, and stood up for every survivor still suffering in silence,” said Katovsky. 

National Prosecuting Authority prosecutor, Carryn Uys, commended Katovsky for being a resilient and credible witness who was meticulous in her honest recollection of events.

“More than three decades ago, when the victim was an innocent 11-year-old girl, trust was ripped violently from her life by an adult who worked in her family’s home. She was vulnerable, having recently lost her grandfather when the accused - layer by layer - slowly took away her innocence. 

“As the prosecution we had to rely on essentially the testimony of the victim and her 80-year-old mother. They both were brilliant. The victim was exceptionally brave and strong as she withstood vigorous cross-examination,” said Uys.

In her victim impact statement during sentencing proceedings, Katovsky said: “Even if the earthly justice system failed me, I had absolute faith that God and divine justice would not…My mom’s testimony was an act of immense courage, and her strength carried me. I am deeply grateful to her and to my entire family for walking this road with me and for the sacred role they played. God had been preparing me for this moment my entire life,” said Katovsky. 

She said taking the stand was “a raw, terrifying, 3D experience that words can barely describe”.

 “The justice system did not fail me. The NPA, FCS Unit, RapeCrisis, and every person who walked this path with me showed up with unwavering care, professionalism, compassion, support and expertise. They became like family. I will carry immense gratitude for Magistrate Mohammed Moola and the entire team for the sacred role they played in helping me reclaim my life.

"This journey was the hardest thing I’ve ever done — but it gave me everything I was longing for: peace, closure, healing, truth, hope and a future. This was not just justice. It was resurrection and restoration and coming home to God and myself. I hope this helps to create awareness and necessary change.”

Women’s Legal Centre junior associate, Andrea Joy-Jantjies, recently on a radio broadcast said: “There is no time limit on reporting any sexual offence and there is no longer a period of time for (prescription of) sexual offences other than rape, according to the Criminal Procedure Act.” 

Joy-Jantjies added that there is no rule against where the offence can be reported, noting that if an offence occurred in one location, it can be reported at any police station where police must accept the report and will then transfer the matter to the relevant police station.

Executive director and anti-GBV activist at Callas Foundation, Caroline Peters, said of the case that “justice may be delayed, but never denied”. 

“As someone who has walked alongside survivors for decades, I know that justice can be painfully slow - but these recent convictions prove it is still possible. This is not just a legal victory - it is a triumph of courage, perseverance, and truth. I’ve witnessed how time and trauma can bury these crimes, and how much it takes for survivors to speak out, especially when their pain is decades old.

“It also brings to mind a matter I’ve personally supported through the Callas Foundation - the conviction of Bernard Da Fraetas, who raped his relative nearly 40 years ago. When she learned he was working as a school transport driver, she bravely broke her silence - and another family member came forward. I was there throughout, bearing witness to her anguish, her strength, and her determination to make sure no other child would be harmed. The conviction and sentencing of Da Fraetas is a moment of long-awaited accountability,” said Peters. 

Peters said these convictions send a clear message.

“There is no expiry date on truth. Survivors carry these wounds for life - and they deserve justice, no matter how long it takes. Our justice system, though flawed, can deliver when driven by people of conscience. To the survivors: your courage changes the world.

To the system actors who work with integrity: thank you. To the community, let this remind us that silence protects perpetrators. We must keep breaking it,” said Peters. 

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