Woman allegedly raped when she was offered a ride

The last week of February brought tragedy to a woman’s life in Ogies when she was allegedly raped by a driver who offered her a ride when she hitchhiked.

The rape epidemic in eMalahleni seems to have spread the crime spree to the City of Coal’s neighbouring town, Phola, when a woman allegedly became a victim of the horrendous crime on February 25.

It is believed the victim was hitchhiking from Phola when two males in a vehicle responded to the request.

They allegedly departed and came to a standstill near a mine in the area when the driver proceeded to rape her in the back seat of the vehicle and took her cellphone and an undisclosed amount of cash.

Police indicate that vulnerability to sexual offences increases in the following circumstances, among others: In dark and deserted places at night; if you look vulnerable (e.g. walking alone in desolate areas); if you appear uncertain, for example, if you do not know where you are going.

In a case of rape, the SAPS indicate as follows: Try not to panic. Common sense is your best defence.

You can not always defend yourself, and your resistance may cause serious injury.

If the attacker is dangerous, cooperate and try to negotiate.

Submission is not consent. After a rape, the SAPS states that every victim thereof responds differently ‒ but you will likely benefit from help.

You may feel dirty and want to wash repeatedly; scared and afraid to go out; that it is your fault and that you are guilty; or you cannot sleep, have nightmares, cannot eat, cannot stop crying, or you want to forget it as quickly as possible and get on with your life.

None of these responses is unusual or unnatural, and remember that there is always someone to help you.

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