LIMPOPO – A 24-year-old man appeared before the Lulekani Magistrate Court on Tuesday, March 25, facing charges of rape and kidnapping.

The court has remanded him in custody, and his case was postponed to Wednesday, March 26, for the appointment of a legal aid representative.

The suspect was arrested on Sunday, March 23, following the alleged rape and kidnapping of a 23-year-old woman in Majeje village on Monday, March 17, at approximately 22:00.

According to police reports, the victim visited the suspect, who is her boyfriend, at his residence. The suspect allegedly requested to engage in sexual intercourse, but the victim refused. He then allegedly forced himself on her, threatening to strangle her.

The victim remained at the suspect’s residence until Wednesday, March 19, when she attempted to leave.

However, the suspect allegedly prevented her from doing so and kept her confined in his room. On Sunday, March 23, while still being held captive, she managed to alert a member of the public through her cellphone. The individual immediately reported the incident to the police, leading to her being freed.

Following the report, police arrested the suspect. The Phalaborwa Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offenses (FCS) Unit was notified for further investigation.

Limpopo police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has commended the police for their swift response.