According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane the female victim, aged 27, was returning home with her sister after escorting a friend to catch a bus. On their way the two sisters encountered two men. One of the men engaged with the victim’s sister before allowing her to leave. Meanwhile, the other man took the victim to a secluded area where he allegedly raped her multiple times. The victim was then taken to another location where she was further raped by a group of approximately seven men.
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“It is still unclear if the arrested suspect has any ties to the other seven suspects who are still at large. The manhunt for the remaining suspects in the gang rape is underway,” Ndubane says.
Police ask that members of the community with information on the gang rape come forward or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via the MySAPS app. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may remain anonymous.
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The suspect is expected to appear in the Nkomazi magistrate’s court today (19 June) on charges of rape.
Help for survivors of gender-based violence
GRIP (Greater Rape Intervention Project) is a Mpumalanga-based organisation dedicated to fighting gender-based-violence and advocating for the rights of survivors of gender-based violence. The organisation can be contacted on +27 83 310 1321.
If you are able to help in any way, please contact Tarryn at ceo@grip.org.za for more information.
To donate, GRIP’s banking details are:
- Bank: Standard Bank
- Name of account: The Greater Nelspruit Rape Intervention Project
- Current account number: 03-259-255-8
You may also click here to donate to GRIP.
