Pc; Police members searching for the rape suspect in the bushes
By Kopano Dibakwane
Community members around Mzinti under the Nkomazi municipality has requested police in the are to allow them to teach a serial rapist a lesson before they can take him to prison. this was voiced out by frustrated community members who joined police officers in search of a said rapist who has been raping young girls’ while on their way to school.
Two learners aged 16 and 17 years old is said to have been allegedly raped by the armed suspect while they were walking to school on Monday 2 September.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, said the two victims were on their way to attend an early class at around 6h30 in the morning when they came across the suspect who reportedly forced them into the nearby bushes and raped them.
“ The two learners were threatened to be killed by the suspect, should they report the incident to anyone. On arrival at school, the learners bravely reported the matter to their teacher. Police were informed and two counts of rape were opened,” said Mdhluli.
He added that a team of investigators, including the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences(FCS)Unit are probing the matter.
“ The suspect has not yet been found and police are still on the lookout. The police urge learners to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings when they walk in secluded areas to-and-from school. Parents are also encouraged to give all the support needed to their children so as to prevent incidents that may compromise their safety,” said Mdhluli.
The incident was highly condemned by Mpumalanga Acting Provincial Police Commissioner, Major-General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, who reassured the public that a team of skilled members of the South African Police Service(SAPS) is working around the clock to apprehend the suspect before he preys on other victims.
“ We will not tolerate a situation whereby learners become terrified to go to school. We have intensified our efforts, and working in collaboration with community structures, we will soon make a breathing in this matter,” said General Mkhwanazi.
Mdhluli has asked those with information regarding this matter to contact the police, as the search for the suspect continues.
