Community members of the Video informal settlement in Muldersdrift apprehended two men aged 26 and 27 for house robbery and rape.
These incidents happened in and around the plots in Rietfontein on 18 Jun. The men allegedly entered two shacks between at 2.30am and 4.40am where they raped a woman and robbed other occupants of their personal belongings. When they fled the scene, one of the men lost his balaclava and he could be recognised.
The community then went to look for the suspects and managed to apprehend one on the same day. They later apprehended and assaulted the other one. Contact crimes, as well as serious and violent crimes, especially gender-based violence pose a problem that requires various policing techniques to deal with them.
According to a statement by local police, these kinds of crimes have a negative impact on the victims, physically, emotionally and economically. Members of the community become fearful that they would become victims of crime, causing them to take the law into their own hands.
“As the police we call on the community not to take the law into their own hands as this is not a solution; they will be arrested. It is also important that community members participate in safety initiatives within their areas by joining their local community policing forum, Youth Desks and patroller programme,” the statement read.
West Rand District Police Commissioner, Major General PF Kekana encouraged the community to work hand in hand with the police.
“Police will never tolerate anyone taking the law into their own hands, regardless of what the suspect is alleged to have done. Assaulting any suspect through mob justice should be discouraged and condemned by any law-abiding citizen at all times. Instead, we must work together to deal with crime and criminals within our communities,” he said.
It is important for victims of contact crimes to follow the steps given below.
What to do if you are raped:
- First response: Your goal is to stay alive and get to a safe place as soon as possible!
- Contact a friend or family member: The first person you tell about the rape is called the ‘first witness’. This person may need to make a statement to the police about your condition and, if possible, should accompany you to the hospital or police station.
What not to do:
- Do not wash yourself or throw away your clothes, no matter how much you want to. There might be hair, blood or semen on your body or clothes that can be used as evidence of the rape.
- Put your clothes in a paper bag.
At the police station you have the right to:
- Make your statement in a private room to a female officer (if one is available)
- Make your statement in your own language
- Have a friend or family member with you for support
- Support that the police can provide to a victim of crime, such as counselling, medical care and a place of safety, if needed
The arrested suspects are expected to appear before the Krugersdorp Magistrates’ Court soon.
Anyone who has information relating to crime, please call 08600 10111, or communicate via the My SAPS app or SMS Crime Line at 32211 and assist the police in fighting for justice.
