Double-rape accused expected to plead
The trial of a Gqeberha man accused of raping two women in separate incidents more than four years ago has been postponed to today, when he is expected to plead.
The 25-year-old suspect from Wells Estate, who cannot be named until he pleads, faces seven charges — three of rape, two of kidnapping and two of robbery with aggravated circumstances.
According to the indictment before the Gqeberha high court, over a two-month period in 2019, the suspect targeted two women, aged 22 and 24, whom he allegedly forced into deserted areas in Central before robbing and raping them.
In the first incident, on March 22 at about 4pm, a 24year-old woman was walking in Western Road on her way home when the suspect allegedly approached her.
It is alleged that when the man called out to her, she first ignored him before indicating her destination when he kept repeating the question.
The suspect then accompanied her to a nearby corner cafe, before walking with her in the direction of Richmond Hill.
When they reached a nearby dilapidated building, the man allegedly forced her inside while threatening her.
Inside the building, he allegedly raped her before demanding she hand over her cellphone.
He then left and the woman reported the matter to the police.
In the second incident, on May 11 2019 at about 6.25am, near Western Road, the same man allegedly approached a 22-year-old woman who was on her way to St George’s Hospital.
He allegedly told the woman he knew of a short cut to get to the hospital through St George’s Park.
While they were walking towards a nearby graveyard, the suspect allegedly drew a knife and instructed the woman to walk through a small passage.
He then allegedly demanded that she empty her backpack and give him the contents.
It is alleged he then told her she had a choice to either hand over her tablet or “satisfy” him.
According to the indictment, after she handed over her tablet the suspect instructed her to walk to a bushy area, where he allegedly raped her twice.
He then allegedly left with the woman’s tablet and she reported the matter to police.