Rape cases in Ermelo are at a sudden increase and Ermelo Police urged the community to improve their awareness at all times to prevent them from becoming a victim.
Ermelo Police are investigating four cases of rape that occurred over the past weekend.
The first incident happened on Friday, 8 March at about 2.30am.
According to the complainant (17) she was woken by a suspect who was already in her bed.
The suspect raped her and fled on foot.
Another incident involving 16-year-old occurred Sunday, 10 March at 6am in Ext 33, Sun City.
The complainant got home from the Ermelo show, when according to her, her mother told her to stay outside as punishment for staying out all night.
She added that while she was outside an unknown man started to talk to her, when he grabbed her and raped her.
A 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the rape.
The third incident happened on Sunday, 10 March at about 12am when a 15-year-old was raped at a houseparty in Thusi Village.
“According to the complainant, she was locked in a room and raped,” Capt Carla Prinsloo, Ermelo Police spokesman added.
A 16-year-old reported the rape case to Ermelo Police on Sunday, 10 March at about 1am.
According to her was she on her way home to Ext 33 from the Ermelo show, when a unknown man offered to walk with her.
“She told the police that when their paths were to separate, the suspect grabbed her and dragged her to his house, where he forced her to undress and raped her.”
Ermelo Police warns residents not to walk or travel alone after dark and to avoid deserted places at night.
Always stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.
“Parents must be careful who cares for their children and to ensure that the person is trustworthy,” Capt Prinsloo concluded.
