NELSPRUIT – A 33-year-old alleged rape suspect is in hospital after reportedly been assaulted by community members for allegedly raping a 23-year-old woman at Thubelihle in Kriel.

According to information, the incident took place on 09 October 2022 at around 03:00. The victim was reportedly on her way to a nearby hiking spot for lifts back home in Kriel. Upon her arrival at the spot she was allegedly accosted by a male and both proceeded to Nkanini Street in Kriel where the suspect allegedly raped her however the victim is said to have screamed for help. A group of men came to her rescue and in the process the suspect is said to have been assaulted. The Police were notified and on their arrival the suspect was arrested. However due to the injuries, he was taken to hospital and he is under police guard.

The suspect is expected to appear in court soon. The Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Investigations (FCS) Unit took over the investigation.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has strongly condemned this barbaric act.

Source: South African Police Service