Weekend blitz nets 70 in EL

EAST London police arrested 70 people in an anti-crime operation at the weekend.

The suspects were arrested for crimes ranging from assault, possession of an unlicensed firearm, drunk driving, burglary and theft, possession of dagga and being drunk and disorderly in public.

They will all appear in the East London Magistrate’s Court today.

● A 25-year-old Dutywa man will appear in the Dutywa Magistrate’s Court today on charges of rape after he dragged a passing woman into a funeral parlour and assaulted her.

The suspect was arrested by the Dutywa police on Friday night hours after he allegedly raped the 21-year-old female.

Police spokesman captain Jackson Manatha said it is alleged the victim had been returning home from work on Friday shortly before midnight when she was accosted by the suspect.

“The suspect who was armed with a knife threatened the victim and dragged her to a nearby funeral parlour where he allegedly raped her repeatedly.

“The suspect later allowed the woman to go and she met Dutywa police who were patrolling in the area,” Manatha said.

Police found the suspect in a tavern at Dutywa and he was positively identified by the victim. He was then arrested and charged with rape.

● Butterworth police are looking for the relatives of a man stabbed to death on Saturday at about 11.25pm between two taverns at Zithulele Township Butterworth.

Manatha said the deceased had been wearing a grey track top, blue jeans and navy sandals. He is dark in complexion.

“No one knew him and nobody saw who stabbed him.

“We therefore appeal to any family whose relative has not come home and who was wearing the attire mentioned above to come to Butterworth Police Station to identify the deceased,” he said.

People can also call Butterworth Police at (047) 401-1100.