Warrant Officer Moses Maphakela, spokesperson for Sandton Police Station, explained the extent of their reign of terror. “These two men were allegedly linked to a rape and armed robbery incident where the same modus operandi was used,” Maphakela said.
“They came across a woman, who was stranded following a breakdown just off the Rivona off-ramp, allegedly accosted her and forced her to open the [vehicle] door.”
One of the men then allegedly pulled her out of the car and into nearby bushes while the other searched the car and her handbag, where he found her bank card and then demanded her ATM pin.
Maphakela explained that while the one went to withdraw money from the victim’s account, the other remained behind and is said to have forced her to remove her clothing.
“The man then allegedly raped the woman and when his companion returned, having withdrawn money from her account, they took her cellphone, other bank cards and money before making off,” he said.
The woman managed to make her way back to the car, where she found her car keys.
Maphakela explained that their reign of terror finally came to an end when the car used by the two, a Toyota Corolla, was spotted in Sunninghill by Sandton police officers conducting an observation of smash-and-grabs in the area.
“The police acted on a tip-off from the community, who had spotted the car on several occasions. While the officers were carrying out their observation, they spotted the vehicle and managed to stop and search it.”
The officers recovered gloves and beanies during the search and took both men to the station, where, upon investigation linked them to the crime.
Maphakela confirmed that the two men were arrested, charged with rape and armed robbery and made an appearance in the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court on 4 March.
Brigadier Allan Billings, Sandton Police Station commander, thanked the community for the tip-off that led to the arrest. “The community must continue working together with the police to successfully stop these crimes,” Billings said.
The case has been postponed to 14 March for a bail application. The case continues.
Details: 011 722 4200.
Police recover stolen vehicle in Morningside
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