Police spokesperson Constable Matome Tlamela said men have to be vigilant when approached by women, especially when drunk.
She said, “We have had cases where a man and a woman who had just met, end up leaving a party or bar together and allegedly agree to go and check into a hotel to spend the night or part of the night together. The following morning the woman comes to the police station to report that she was raped.”
Tlamela explained that in most cases the man would allege that the woman had agreed to spend the night with him.
“If you have been drinking, do not just agree to leave a bar or party with someone you have just met. Sometimes an innocent man can end up facing a false rape claim simply by being with a person who may have woken up regretting last night’s events.
“Both men and women, who have been drinking, fall victim to this many times.”
Tlamela urged women to avoid accepting drinks from men they do not know. “If you go to a bar or tavern to drink, don’t get flattered by a stranger’s attention and accept drinks from someone you do not know. Criminals may spike your drink to take advantage of you when you are unconscious or helpless,” she said.
Tlamela revealed that a month ago, a young woman accepted a drink from a stranger at a bar and the man raped her. Later her boyfriend showed her a video that was circulating among partygoers showing her sleeping with the stranger who allegedly sent her a drink. The victim went to report the rape to police, but said she could not remember the incident.
”As flattering as it is to be offered a drink, and when a stranger insists, you must also insist and politely say, ‘No thank you, perhaps another time’,” concluded Tlamela.
Have you ever had your drink spiked? Tell us about it on the Midrand Reporter Facebook page
