Rapists rampant in Mahalapye - Police

Koketso Kgoboge | Tuesday May 14, 2019 16:15

 

Two suspects have been arrested while four perpetrators are on the loose. Superintendent Morris Kwena said rape has become a serious concern and women need to be cautious of the situation.

“We registered five rape cases last week alone in Mahalapye, Shoshong, Machaneng and Martin’s Drift. There has been a huge rise in rape incidents in this area. We encourage women to avoid walking alone especially at night,” he said. 

Kwena said a 58-year-old woman was raped in the outskirts of Martin’s Drift when she was on her way back from her farm in the late afternoon. The suspect is unknown and the victim only identified him as a young man. 

A 46-year-old woman of Kodibeleng near Shoshong was allegedly gang-raped by two men. The duo, a 22-year-old and 37-year-old, had been arrested and would appear before the Mahalapye Magistrate Court soon.

The woman was returning from the village bars at night when they allegedly attacked her, dragged her into the bushes and took turns raping her.

Another woman of Tobela settlement near Shoshong aged 20, was allegedly raped by her ex-boyfriend.  The suspected assailant fled after the incident and the police are on his trail. 

In an identical incident at Madiba ward in Mahalapye, another man raped his 23-year-old ex-girlfriend and fled the scene. He is yet to be arrested. 

A 53-year-old woman of Mahalapye also fell victim to the rapists. An unknown assailant sexually assaulted the elderly woman. She was reportedly returning from entertainment at night.

Kwena advised that women should always keep the company of other people at night and avoid being alone in less populated areas like cattleposts.

“We are living in a different era with too many heartless criminals. The world has become unsafe and so has become our country.  It’s known now that there is a generation of children that is reckless and dangerous,” Kwena reiterated.