Pienaar police searching for suspect of rape
The suspect's cellphone and shoes were found in the bedroom, where the crime was committed.
The police have launched a manhunt for a 62-year-old man who allegedly raped his neighbour, a 13-yearold minor, on Sunday May 22.
Following the gruesome murder and rape of Hillary Gardee and the six-year-old mutilated, killed and raped Bontle Mashiyane, the women of Mpumalanga live in fear of sexual abuse on a daily basis.
According to a community leader, who chose to remain anonymous, the incident occurred when the mother had left her 13-year-old daughter alone at home.
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“The suspect allegedly noticed that she was home and entered the house, forcing himself on the little girl. “When the mother returned at exactly 11:00, the suspect, their neighbour, heard her coming into the house and fled through a window in one of the spare bedrooms.”
The girl allegedly claims this was not the first time this man had forced himself on her.
“She alleged he had done it on multiple occasions, but she was afraid to tell her family because of the threats. The girl also said when her mother would drop her off at the neighbour’s house to play with some kids, the man would molest her and threaten her with dire repercussions if she told anybody.”
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The girl was taken to hospital and a rape case was opened with the local police. The spokesperson for the Pienaar Police Station, Jabu Ndubane, said, “The police are on high alert and utilising all available resources to track down and arrest the suspect.
“We understand that the community is furious, but we appeal to them to refrain from mob justice and to trust the police to do their work. We appeal with anyone who might have information about the suspect’s whereabouts to contact the Crime Stop number, 08600 10111.”
