Routine policing pays off

A ROUTINE traffic stop led to the arrest of a motorist on a charge of rape, in Lwandle.

While inspecting the vehicle, a woman jumped out and informed officers that the driver had raped her, according to the City.

Police say the woman was walking from church when she was overpowered and pulled into the vehicle of the suspect at 8pm on Wednesday last week.

The suspect noticed a police vehicle in the vicinity and drove off at speed

The vehicle was chased and pulled over by police. The woman leapt out and the suspect was arrested.

Last Friday the suspect was taken to Strand Magistrate’s Court.

“A case of rape is under investigation,” said police spokesperson FC van Wyk.

Safety and Security mayco member JP Smith said the 36-year-old was handed over to the local SAPS for further investigation, while the woman was referred for trauma counselling.

“This incident underscores the importance of vehicle checkpoints and random stops,” he said.

“It is not the first case of this nature that has been uncovered by our officers.

‘‘With the mooted introduction of a 24-hour traffic presence on our roads, our staff will be able to man more vehicle checkpoints – an invaluable tool in crime fighting, as it often lifts the lid on criminals after the fact, or puts a spanner in the works for planned criminal activity,” Smith said.