Man allegedly holds ex captive for 13 days before she escapes

Eastern Cape police have arrested a man who allegedly abducted his ex girlfriend and held her captive, assaulting and raping her before she managed to escape.

Flagstaff police nabbed the 34-year-old from the Mafadobo locality on Friday. He was charged with kidnapping, assaulting and rape of his 34-year-old former partner.

It is alleged that the man locked her in his house from 27 March until her escape on Tuesday, 8 April, a total of 13 days.

When contacted by The Citizen, police were unable to provide any additional information about the incident.

He is set to appear before the Flagstaff Magistrate’s Courts on Monday.

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GBV crisis

More than 11 800 cases of rape were recorded between October and December last year. While this was a 3.3% reduction, the number is still staggering in a country where gender-based violence is prevalent.

According to a recent police study of 9 057 counts of rape recorded, 63.1% or 5 711 counts took place within the residential premises of the perpetrator or that of the victim or those either known by the victim or perpetrator such as family, friend or neighbour’s place.

The second largest portion of the analysed rape cases (21% or 1 898 counts) took place in public places like streets, open fields, recreational centres or parking areas.

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Rape conviction

While many never get justice, a 40-year-old Free State man was this week handed a life sentence for the rape of his 13-year-old niece.

The incident happened on 28 March 2024 at a residence in Rocklands, Bloemfontein.

“The victim bravely informed her brother of the ordeal, who then relayed the information to their aunt,” explained police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli. He was arrested 12 days later.

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