Hoedspruit man arrested for rape of friend’s girlfriend
A 35-year-old man was arrested after raping a woman he lured to his home from a local tavern and held her overnight.
HOEDSPRUIT – A 35-year-old man was arrested in Hoedspruit Plastic View on Sunday, August 17, following the rape of a 34-year-old woman.
He is expected to appear before the Hoedspruit Magistrate’s Court today.
According to police spokesperson, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, the victim had been at a local tavern with her boyfriend on Saturday evening, when the suspect, introduced as the boyfriend’s friend, joined them.
“At around 23:00, the woman decided to leave the tavern and head home. The suspect offered to accompany her, claiming he first needed to stop by his house to collect a jersey. Once inside his room, he locked the door and raped the victim. He then forced her to remain in the shack overnight before releasing her the following morning,” says Mashaba.
The victim immediately reported the ordeal to the police. Acting swiftly, officers traced and arrested the suspect the same day. He has been formally charged with rape.
Police investigations into the case are ongoing.
