A 41-year-old taxi driver was arrested on Sunday for rape and armed robbery.

Reports indicate that on Saturday, a 25-year-old victim was robbed at gunpoint of an undisclosed amount of cash, her handbag, her bank cards and identification document, and raped while travelling in a taxi in the KwaDukuza area in KZN.

Ilembe Cluster police spokesperson Captain Alex Thomson says the victim was found unconscious at the Groutville Market late on Saturday, with several injuries, and was taken to hospital.

“A rape case was registered on Sunday and the victim was interviewed by Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit members. Police worked swiftly on the information received and positively identified the taxi that was used in the commission of the crime.”

The minibus that was reportedly used was spotted along the R102 near KwaDukuza.

“Police and KwaDukuza Municipal Traffic Department stopped the taxi and apprehended the driver, who was positively identified by the victim as the rape suspect.

“The taxi was searched and the victim’s belongings were found in the suspect’s possession. The suspect was arrested by the FCS unit and charged with rape and robbery with a firearm.

“The suspect is expected to appear before the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court in due course,” says Thomson.