Women urged to ward against rapists in Tonga and Naas
Local police warned women in the area, Block B, C, Naas and Mzinti to be extra vigilant after five rapes were reported in the area over the weekend.
TONGA – Five rapes were reported in the Tonga policing area over the weekend and police are warning women to be extra careful. Three of the victims were minors, while the others were in their early 20s.
In Block B, a woman was raped by four suspects whom she apparently knew. She reported the crime to the police and all four perpetrators were arrested. A fifth suspect was arrested in connection with a rape in Mzinti.
On Monday, parents also reported the rape of a 10-year-old, which happened last week when she was on her way to school.
It is important to immediately report rapes to ensure that adequate forensic evidence is taken and the victim can get medical and trauma assistance as soon as possible.
The Tonga policing area has seen a recent spike in rapes and Nkosi urged women to take precautions to ensure their safety, especially when they head out to social events or liquor outlets.
These locations are hotspots for rapes and assaults and he urged women never to visit them alone. “Ensure that you have someone that will be able to help you in case of an emergency,” he advised.
READ: What you must do when you have been raped
There have also been cases where women accepted lifts home from strangers, who instead took them to secluded spots, raped them and dropped them off by the side of the road.
He warned hitchhikers and people walking home late at night, especially in bushy areas or where houses are not close by, that criminals target these areas.
Nkosi once again stressed that parents and families need to know where children are at all times. Police are worried about the amount of teens sneaking out of their homes at night to go drink or party.
READ: Several cases of crime linked to substance abuse reported
He urged men to protect women instead of exploiting them and work with the police to curb sexual offences.
Another recent problem that police are investigating is fraudsters that claim to sell building materials and other goods at discounted rates. They contact people busy with construction or other projects and masquerade as consultants or sales people. The victims are required to pay over the money via money market or similar cash-transfer services and given a name of a clerk who is really working at the store. They then go to the store and approach their contact, only to find that the person has no idea of the transaction.
Several cases of fraud have been opened and Nkosi said police are working hard to track down the culprits.
READ: Online fraud scams you need to know
He urged community members to do their business in person and to check whether any discounts or specials are legitimate by contacting the relevant businesses as well.
