FREE STATE – The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Bloemfontein assisted by members of 10111 arrested a 54-year-old suspect on Sunday, 20 June 2021.

It is alleged that on Friday, 18 June 2021, the victim was offered domestic work and to also look after a 4-year-old son at the house of the suspect, who is known to be a pastor. The victim was reportedly informed by the suspect that he will be attending a church service in Thaba Nchu during the night and that she must look after his son on Friday, 18 June 2021.

However the suspect allegedly remained in the house that night and forced himself to the victim repeatedly raping her throughout Friday and Saturday nights respectively. Her alleged plea to be released to go home was refused.

The victim managed to get hold of the suspect’s cell phone on Sunday, 20 June 2021 and immediately called 10111, seeking assistance. She later escaped with the cellphone and the son of the suspect.

Meanwhile the Hawks team were contacted to assist the victim, which led to the arrest of the suspect at his residence in Lakeview Bloemspruit. The police recovered a vehicle that was reported stolen in the Park Road Police station in Bloemfontein during the arrest of the suspect.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate Court on Wednesday, 23 June 2021 where he will be facing charges of rape, trafficking in person and possession of stolen motor vehicle.  

Source: South African Police Service