Rape trial to resume on 26 November 2024
The rape trial of a 44-year-old man in Potchefstroom will continue on November 26. The accused allegedly raped a 26-year-old woman after offering her a ride home in 2022.
The hearing of a 44-year-old man accused of rape will continue in the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court later this month. The incident is said to have occurred between September 23 at 00:05 and 04:00 on September 24, 2022, in Promosa Street, Potchefstroom.
According to the victim, a 26-year-old woman, she was socializing with friends at a pub when she lost contact with them. The accused, whom she knew only by name, offered her a ride home. During the drive, the accused stopped at a fast-food outlet to buy food. According to the victim she began to feel dizzy after drinking water purchased by the accused, and eventually passed out. When the victim later woke up at the accused’s house, she discovered him on top of her.
“When I woke up, he was on top of me,” she recalled. “I pushed him off and asked him what he was doing. I didn’t tell him I wanted this.”The victim was later dropped off near her aunt’s house by the perpetrator. Police apprehended the suspect and the accused made his first appearance in court on September 29, 2022.
During a court appearance on Monday, November 4, in the Potchefstroom Town Hall, the Magistrate confirmed that the next hearing will take place on November 26 at 08:30. Police spokesperson Colonel Adele Myburgh confirmed that the case is being investigated by Potchefstroom Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS). The victim, now 28, has expressed her determination to seek justice. “He took everything from me, but I am still walking with God by my side,” she said.
