Police made an arrest in a case of an alleged rape and robbery of a 42-year-old woman on January 19 at about 08:45 in an open veld in Broadacres.
The 37-year-old suspect was arrested on January 21 after swift police investigations and appeared in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on January 24.
Spokesperson of the Douglasdale police, Captain Mpho Tshetlhane said it was alleged that the victim was walking to work when the incident occurred.
“The suspect allegedly confronted the victim, [threatened her with a knife] and dragged her into an open space where he raped her. The suspect also robbed the victim of her cellphone, cash and passport before he fled the scene,” she said.
Brigadier Veeshani Arikum, Station Commander of Douglasdale applauded the quick response of the police members for their commitment to ensuring the Douglasdale community felt safe.
[Intial article: 24 January]
Police are calling on the community to assist in an ongoing investigation.
According to the spokesperson of the Douglasdale Police Station, Captain Mpho Tshetlhane, a case of rape and robbery was opened after it was reported that a 42-year-old woman was sexually assaulted on January 19 around 08:45 in an open veld in Broadacres.
Tshetlhane said it is believed that the victim was walking to work when the incident took place. “One of the suspects then allegedly confronted the victim, pointed a knife at her and dragged her into an open space where he raped her. The suspect also robbed the victim of her cellphone, cash and passport before he fled the scene,” she said.
No arrests have been made as police are still investigating the incident.
“We also appeal to community members with information that might assist police investigations to phone Douglasdale police on 011 699 1333/1320 or 071 675 7358 or 08600 10111. Alternatively, community members can use the MySAPSApp to provide tip-offs,” she concluded.
Captain Mpho Tshetlhane also advised community members to make use of the following tips to stay safe:
- Open spaces are very dangerous to walk alone
- Avoid walking or jogging alone on the street
- Do not be lured to secluded areas with the promise of help or being offered a job
- Do not walk alone in the dark
- Do not accept gifts from strangers
- Report any suspicious people to the police.
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