During the course of last week a young woman was hitch hiking for a lift after coming off late from work. She stood in Albert Street and was later offered a lift by a man driving a minibus.

The vehicle had an out-of-town registration number plate and she was the only passenger in the vehicle. The driver proceeded to an isolated location where he allegedly raped the woman. He then threatened to take her with him to Durban.

The woman panicked and jumped out the moving vehicle. She sustained serious injuries from the fall. Her assailant returned to where she was. He forcefully put her back into his vehicle and allegedly raped her for the second time.

He then dropped her off at another location. The victim was fortunate to be helped and was taken to hospital. Police were informed of the incident. After interviewing her, Visible Policing members began searching for the vehicle. Though they did not have a registration number, they spotted a vehicle fitting the description and stopped it.

They immediately recognised that the driver’s clothing fitted the description given by the woman. Further investigation revealed blood stains in the vehicle.The 25-year-old man was arrested and his vehicle was impounded pending further forensic investigations. He was charged and appeared in the Estcourt Magistrate’s Court where he was remanded in custody.

Police are advising the public to be very careful and to avoid hitch hiking, especially at night and when alone. It is preferable to call a friend or family member for assistance.

Try as far as possible to make prior arrangements if you are going to be dismissed from work late. Seek help from your employer. Police have noticed an increase in the amount of people hitch hiking from Albert Street and the Colita robots. They advise commuters to board their transport at the rank where it is safer to do so.