Manhunt underway after 27-year-old woman raped in cemetery

Mpumalanga police have launched a manhunt after a 27-year-old woman was raped on Wednesday 1 July 2020, at the cemetery in Masoyi, Mpumalanga. The woman was walking alone to a bus stop, on her way to work, when the incident occurred. 

SUSPECT RAPES YOUNG WOMAN IN CEMETERY

The woman told police that it was still dark when she saw someone walking in front of her. She thought it was another woman also going to work. 

“However, when she got closer, she realised that it was a male person and suddenly, the suspect produced a knife and forced her to the graveyard where he raped her,” said Brigadier Leonard Hlathi. 

An investigation into this matter is underway and police request assistance from the community to be able to arrest the suspect.

ANOTHER WOMAN ASSAULTED IN SEPARATE INCIDENT 

Meanwhile, in another incident, the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma welcomed the arrest of a 25-year-old man who raped a 27-year-old woman on Sunday 28 June 2020, at Vosman near Witbank. 

The suspect made his appearance at the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday 1 July 2020. According to police, the woman was with her boyfriend at his cousin’s place when another man joined them.

According to reports, the woman got tired and slept on the couch. She explained that in the morning of Monday 28 July 2020, she struggled to breathe and felt some heaviness as if someone was on top of her. She then opened her eyes and saw a man with his hand on her mouth so she could not scream. The victim managed to see that it was the same man who had joined them.

The incident was reported to the police and a rape case was opened, as well as, investigated. On Monday 29 June 2020, the suspect was arrested hence his court appearance. His case was postponed to next week Wednesday 8 July 2020, for a formal bail application.

POLICE COMMISSIONER CONDEMNS RAPE INCIDENTS

Zuma has condemned in the strongest terms the two rape incidents especially during this period where the society is engulfed with scores of gender-based violence incidents. 

The general has once again expressed his disappointment in the men who continue to prey on defenceless women and children. 

“These cowardly men are hurting women instead of being their protectors. On the same note, we urge members of the public to assist police with information about the man who raped a woman at the cemetery,” said Zuma.

Police appeal to anyone who may have tangible information regarding the suspect at the Masoyi incident to please contact Detective Sergeant Nkosinathi Sindane at 072-108-9454 or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Information may also be communicated via MySAPSApp. All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality and callers may opt to remain anonymous.