Police in KwaZulu-Natal have rearrested a 28-year-old rape suspect who escaped from custody in Mariannhill on Monday following his arrest earlier in the day.
Colonel Robert Netshiunda, the spokesperson for the police in the province, said the suspect was apprehended on Thursday.
“The police’s relentless search for the suspect located him at a hostel in Umbilo on Thursday morning,” said Netshiunda.
Netshiunda said the suspect faces a charge of escaping from lawful custody.
“[After appearing at the Pinetown magistrate’s court] he will then be transferred to Ekhombe, where he will face several cases of rape in which he allegedly targeted learners who reside at cottages of a school in Nkandla,” said Netshiunda.
Man rapes girlfriend’s child
In a separate incident, a 25-year-old suspect faces charges of raping a minor after he allegedly sexually assaulted his girlfriend’s seven-year-old daughter.
Limpopo police spokesperson Brig Hlulani Mashaba said the alleged sexual assault occurred on January 26 at about 10pm.
“The incident occurred at Kaoletse village within the Witpoot policing area near Lephalale in the Waterberg district,” said Mashaba.
“According to police reports, the suspect, the victim’s mother, and a relative had left the victim and her siblings at the relative’s house while they went out for drinks at a tavern.
“It is alleged that the suspect left the two women at the tavern without being noticed and forcibly entered the house where the children were left alone.
“He proceeded to rape the seven-year-old victim. Upon the relative’s return, she found the child awake and sitting in the dark, at which point the child disclosed what had transpired.”
Mashaba said a case was opened, but the suspect had already fled the area.
Intelligence-driven operation
“After a lengthy investigation, Waterberg district and Lephalale detectives, including the members of the family violence, child protection and sexual offences unit, conducted a tactical intelligence-driven operation resulting in the apprehension of the suspect in the same area on May 21 at about 1am,” said Mashaba.
Mashaba said Limpopo provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe, strongly condemned the incident and issued a stern warning to parents and guardians.
“This horrific case serves as a painful reminder that parents must always prioritise their children’s safety and well-being above all else,” said Hadebe.
“Children should never be left vulnerable or in situations where their safety is compromised.”
