A woman was recently the victim of a rape following an online dating incident.
The West Rand Cluster Police have subsequently issued a warning regarding online dating especially during the current 16 Days of Activism of No Crime Against Women and Children.
Captain Appel Ernst, Randfontein Police spokesperson refers to the danger of online dating a grave concern especially when women are at risk.
The incident Police refer to involves the victim being lured by an online boyfriend to travel to the West Rand in order to meet face-to-face.
The unsuspecting woman was the lured into a private home and was attacked upon her arrival. Later she was raped by her so-called online boyfriend.
“This serves as an urgent warning to all ladies who are meeting male friends on chat groups or online, to be extra vigilant when arranging face-to-face meetings.
The recommendation is to rather meet at a place where you feel safe and where there is safety in numbers such as at restaurants or shopping malls,” Ernst said.
Brigadier Sipho Ngubane, Kagiso Police Station Commander expressed his concern with the current state of affairs and said, “Criminal elements are all over and therefore we cannot stress the fact enough that ladies must ensure their own safety. Do not go to places which you are unfamiliar with and rather take someone with you when meeting a total stranger.”
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