The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela has strongly condemned the incidents whereby three females, including two minors were raped over the weekend at Kabokweni. Two men, aged 21 and 29 respectively were arrested yesterday, Sunday, 19 September 2021 by members of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit at Kanyamazane. The suspects are due to appear before the Kabokweni Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 21 September 2021 in connection with the rape incidents involving the minors.
The report indicates that on the morning of Sunday, 19 September 2021, a 16-year-old girl went to a certain shop at Kabokweni where she was allegedly grabbed by a man who is known to her. He then took her by force to his room and reportedly raped her upon arrival. The matter was reported to police at Kabokweni and the case was assigned to Kanyamazane FCS Unit. An investigation was conducted and the 21-year-old suspect was apprehended in connection with this incident.
Meanwhile on Saturday, 18 September 2021, another 16-year-old girl faced the same ordeal of being raped when she reportedly went to a local salon at Kabokweni. It is said that upon arriving at the salon, she met a man who is also known to her. The man then allegedly forced her into his room and raped her. This matter too was probed by the investigating team from Kanyamazane FCS and they made a breakthrough when they arrested the 29-year-old suspect yesterday as well.
On the same Saturday, a 25-year-old female was allegedly raped at Kabokweni as well whilst taking a nap after coming back from a funeral. Sadly, the suspect is her half-brother and after the incident he reportedly fled the scene. This matter was also reported to police at Kabokweni and the case assigned to Kanyamazane FCS for investigation. A manhunt was launched for the suspect and an arrest is yet to be made.
The Provincial Commissioner praised members of the FCS at Kanyamazane for their hardwork as well as the swift arrest of the two suspects. She also raised her concerns about the incidents as more so as the victims were allegedly raped by people known to them.
Source: South African Police Service