Rapist on the run

The Mossel Bay Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit has issued an identikit of a suspect who is wanted on multiple charges of rape, attempted murder and theft of a motor vehicle.

A preliminary investigation reveals that a 43-year-old woman drove to the Eco Stop Engen Garage near Heather Park in George on 29 August, where she met the unknown suspect.

Police say the woman requested the suspect to show her where she could buy drugs. This suspect introduced himself as Edward and volunteered to take her to Pacaltsdorp, where she could buy drugs. It is further alleged the suspect asked her if he could drive the vehicle as it would appear suspicious if she drove it in his residential area.

Police say that the victim adhered to the request and allowed the suspect to drive the vehicle, a red and white VW Golf with registration CAW 55579, a 1985/86 model. Southern Cape police spokesperson Capt Malcolm Pojie says the suspect and the woman stopped at a fuel station in York Street en route to Pacaltsdorp.

"However, when they reached the bridge in York Street, the suspect suddenly took the offramp to Mossel Bay and drove in the direction of Great Brak River on the N2. The victim became suspicious, but the suspect assured her they were taking a short cut towards the place they would obtain the drugs."

The suspect stopped near the Buffelsdrift Farm, where he started to assault the victim and he raped her more than once in the back of the car. He pulled her out of the car into the veld, where he tried to strangle her with a piece of rope with which he later tied her hands and feet behind her back.

The suspect left the victim in the veld and drove off with her vehicle.

The victim managed to manoeuvre herself to the N2 roadside by rolling. She was found by a truck driver, who alerted the police in Great Brak River.

She was taken to hospital for medical attention and treatment.

Anyone with information should contact the investigating officer, Sgt Soretha van Zyl (044 693 3869 or 082 335 0626) or Crime Stop (08600 10111).