The Carletonville Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) has released an identity kit of a suspect believed to be involved in an attempted rape incident earlier this year.
According to Bekkersdal Police spokesperson, Sergeant Linkie Lefakane, the victim allegedly was walking along the open veld in Simunye on January 21 this year when she was accosted by the suspect armed with a knife.
He demanded her cellphone and when she could not give him the cellphone he dragged her far into the open veld and attempted to rape her. The victim was rescued by two unknown men who saw the act as they were about to pass by.
The suspect ran and disappeared into the veld. They then accompanied the victim home and she later reported the matter to the police.”
The suspect is said to be between 25 and 28 years old. He is of slender build and approximately 1,7m tall. He was wearing blue jeans with a red and yellow jersey, and a white beanie.
“The suspect is still on the run; however the investigation is underway,” added Sergeant Lefakane.
The Bekkersdal Police has noted with concern incidents where victims are either raped inside their homes or while on their way home.
The most affected areas are Simunye and Zuurbekom. Either three or four armed men would pounce from nowhere, threaten and rob their victims of their valuables, then drag them into the open veld before taking turns to rape them.
“We are appealing to the community at large to avoid walking along secluded areas alone, specifically during the night as they fall prey to the perpetrators of crime. Gender-based violence is regarded as a pandemic, therefore all who are found to be on the wrong side of the law must be dealt with harshly. We would also like to encourage community members to increase their security measures around their dwelling places to deter or delay the suspects when breaking into their homes. This might afford the victim time to call for help.”
Anyone with information that could lead to solving these cases is asked to contact the police on Crime Stop 08600 10111; alternatively send an anonymous tip-off via SMS to 32211 or use the My SAPS app that can be downloaded on any smartphone.
