POLOKWANE – A 39-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the alleged rape of a woman in the Mankweng policing area after an investigation by the Polokwane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS).

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the suspect was arrested at Sickline village on Thursday, May 14, and is expected to appear before the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court soon on a charge of rape.

According to police, the incident took place in March 2024 after a 40-year-old woman reportedly approached the suspect seeking help finding employment.

Ledwaba said the suspect claimed he assisted people through spiritual practices and later took the woman to a nearby mountain under the guise of conducting prayers and rituals.

“Upon arrival at the mountain, the suspect allegedly instructed the victim to kneel down for prayers before he suddenly pushed her to the ground, and raped her,” said Ledwaba.

The victim later informed police that she discovered months later that she was pregnant and subsequently gave birth to a baby.

Ledwaba said further investigations would determine whether the suspect is the father of the child.

Police investigations are continuing.