According to the communication officer of the police in Khutsong, Captain Eddie Boboko, the two victims, their boyfriends and children were about to leave their shack in the Chris Hani informal settlement at around 22:00 on 16 October. Suddenly, a man kicked the door in from the outside and stormed in with a knife.
One of the victims, followed by her neighbour, ran to the bedroom and tried to hide behind a bed. Unfortunately, the suspect and his three accomplices stormed in behind them.
They dragged the women out from behind the bed and took turns at raping them. The suspects then stole two brown sofas and three cell phones before fleeing from the scene. The police are investigating cases of house rob-bery and rape following the incident.
A 19-year-old was the victim of another rape case at around 22:35 on 18 October. She was at one of the taverns in Extension 3 when her ex-boyfriend asked her to accompany him to his home nearby. When they got inside, he locked the door behind her, grabbed her, forced her to undress and raped her.
The girl managed to escape and made her way back to the tavern, where a friend helped her to call the police. The SAPS reacted immediately and arrested the 33-year-old ex-boyfriend.
The suspect will appear in Khutsong magistrates’ court soon.
“Rape happens on streets and in cars, schools, parks, open veld and houses. The rapist has no regard for age, race or social status. It is not a selective crime; it is random in most cases. Personal safety must begin with the individual, however,” says Boboko.
The police also offered advice to women who want to protect themselves against rape.
It helps to secure your home and always keep your doors and windows locked. Also, evaluate the effectiveness of the locks.
Stay away from open spaces with long grass or dark areas and do not take any gifts or money from strangers, as they will expect something in return.
The station commander, Col Melinda Prinsloo, condemns the gender-based violence crimes against women and children. She asks the community to work with the police and report those who commit them. She also welcomes the swift response by the members who arrested the 33-year-old suspect. Prinsloo urges the community to assist with information that could lead to the arrest of the four suspects who are still at large. Contact the Crime Stop hotline, 08600 10111 or Khutsong SAPS at 018 783 9022/23/24.
