Rape suspect ‘fighting for his life’ after community assaulted him

A group of men rescued the victim from the alleged rapist and assaulted him before police arrived and arrested him.

Oct 11, 2022 - 19:30
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Rape suspect ‘fighting for his life’ after community assaulted him

A 33-year-old man was assaulted by community members after allegedly raping a 23-year-old woman in Thubelihle in Kriel, Mpumalanga on Sunday, 9 October.

RAPE SUSPECT HOSPITALISED

South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli said the rape incident occurred at 3:00.

“The victim was reportedly on her way to a nearby hiking spot for lifts back home in Kriel. Upon her arrival at the spot, she was allegedly accosted by a male and both proceeded to Nkanini Street in Kriel where the suspect allegedly raped her however the victim is said to have screamed for help,” explained Mdhluli.

A group of men from the community came to the victim’s rescue and allegedly assaulted the suspect. When the police arrived at the scene the suspect was arrested and taken to a hospital due to his injuries where he remains under police guard.

The police expect the suspect to appear in court imminently for the rape. The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit has taken over the investigation.

The Mpumalanga police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela “strongly condemned this barbaric act,” said the police spokesperson.

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