Newly paroled rapist sought after woman attacked in home

LESS than three months after being released from prison on parole, a convicted rapist allegedly attacked, raped and robbed a Paterson woman in her home at the weekend.

A manhunt is under way following Sunday night’s attack near Addo.

The 50-year-old woman, who cannot be named as she is the victim of a sex crime, was ambushed by the knifewielding attacker as she arrived home.

The 35-year-old suspect, who is known to police in the Paterson area, was released from prison in January after serving a lengthy jail term for crimes including rape.

According to police, as the woman arrived home after visiting friends and unlocked her front door, a man armed with two knives jumped her and forced her into the house.

Spokesman Constable Mncedi Mbombo said the man forced her into the bedroom, where he bound her hands and raped her.

“The suspect kept asking for a safe and the more he was told there was no safe, the more he continued to rummage through the cupboards,” he said.

Mbombo said a neighbour, who had tried several times to call the woman, eventually went to her house.

“When the neighbour arrived, the woman managed to scream and flee.

“As she ran out of the house naked in a bid to escape, the attacker fled.”

Paterson residents searched for the man afterwards, without success.

Mbombo confirmed that the man had been identified by complainants.

“We know who the suspect is – he was released by Correctional Services on parole in January,” he said.

“If he is located, he should be handed over to police. We want to remind the community that if they turn to mob justice they are also breaking the law.”

Eastern Cape Correctional Services spokeswoman Vuyolwethu Gadu said she was following up on the circumstances of the suspect’s release with St Albans Prison.