This comes amidst increasing cases of gender-based violence, including murdering and raping women and children in the country. Police spokesperson, Thandi Mbambo, says the woman, who travelled from Welkom to meet the 32-year-old suspect, alleged that she was raped at knifepoint. 

She said the suspect, who is currently in police custody, threatened and dragged her to bushes behind the Khotsong Primary School where he allegedly raped her. 

The suspect was arrested by the police following a carefully planned search, working with the victim, who opened a case of rape in Kutlwanong police station. He is expected to appear at the town’s Magistrate’s Court today on a charge of rape. It is said that after raping the woman, the suspect gave her R20 so that she can return to Welkom.

While the victim was reporting the matter at the police station, she got a call on her cell phone from her alleged rapist who wanted to apologise for what he has done to her and asked to see her once again. She was then told by the police officers on duty what to say to him to effect the arrest,” Mbambo adds.

The suspect was tracked strategically on foot from the K9 vicinity of Lengoeleng up until block 1 near Dhlamini's tavern where he was apprehended.

“The suspect was in possession of the cell phone he used to chat with the victim, a black beanie and black hand gloves. The scene of the crime was visited where other exhibits were obtained to be taken for forensic examination,” Mbambo further adds.

 OFM News