The alleged rapist, who held his victim at gun point at Cradlestone Mall and then raped her nearby, was found and arrested in Krugersdorp West on Monday night (21 December) .
The Krugersdorp Police’s Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses Unit (FCS) in conjuntion with Krugersdorp’s Trio Task Team and the Gauteng Provincial Investigating Unit arrested the 19-year-old suspect at his home in Krugersdorp West at around 9.15pm.
The arrest follows after the suspect allegedly overpowered his 29-year-old victim in the mall’s parking area and held her at gun point.
He then forced her into her vehicle and drove to a nearby gravel road where he raped her before fleeing with her vehicle.
“Members worked around the clock and followed up on all possible leads. An ID kit of the suspect was circulated to the media in hopes to trace the suspect. Thorough investigation and the skills of seasoned investigators such as Warrant Officer Odendal, from the Provincial Investigating Unit and local officers, success was achieved,” Randfontein Police spokesperson, Captain Appel Ernst, said.
After following up on all leads, the hijacked vehicle was recovered on 20 December where it was abandoned in Krugersdorp West.
The suspect who was positively identified was found in a house in Stegman Street.
The Cluster Commander, Major General Anna Mateisi commended the following members for their determination, perseverance and gusto in resolving this case. She emphisised the fact that the members’ positive attitudes and their belief in their abilities, resulted in the successful arrest.
“Your efforts in tracing and arresting the perpetrator will restore the faith in the South Africa Police Service at large and in the Krugersdorp Cluster in particular. Keep up the outstanding work. Your efforts are noted and appreciated,” Major General Mateisi praised the officers involved in the case.
Members involved in this success were Warrant Officer Odendal and Van Rensburg from the Provincial Investigating Unit, Captain Terblanche, Warrant Officer Nel and Sergeant Coetzee from the Krugersdorp FCS and Captian Van der Heever, Warrant Officer Drosky, Bester and Borman from the Krugersdorp Trio Task team.
