Four arrested for sex crimes
GARDEN ROUTE - The rate of sexual violence in South Africa is said to be among the highest in the world with 132,4 reported incidents per 100 000 people countrywide. And unfortunately the Garden Route is not immune to this vile pandemic.
Four people were arrested in connection with unrelated sexual offences in the area last weekend.
In the early hours of Sunday morning, 14 February, Thembalethu police in George found a 17-year old girl on the street after she was allegedly raped shortly before. "The 23-year-old suspect was later arrested at his house and the victim received medical treatment as well as victim support," said Southern Cape police spokesperson Capt Malcolm Pojie.
The suspect appeared in the George Magistrate's Court on Monday 15 February. The case was postponed until Tuesday 23 February.
On Saturday afternoon, 13 February at approximately 15:00, a 13-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a man (25) in Knysna. According to Pojie the accused lured her off the street and took her to his house where he undressed and raped her. The suspect appeared in the George Magistrate's Court on Monday 15 February where the case was remanded to Monday 22 February.
On Friday 12 February a man (31) was arrested in Conville in connection with the rape and assault of a 45-year old woman. The incident allegedly took place at his home on Sunday 7 February. Pojie said the suspect sent his son to call the victim to his house, where he raped her several times before releasing her. The suspect faces charges of rape and assault. He appeared in the George Magistrate's Court on Monday 15 February where the case was postponed until Tuesday 23 February.
In Plettenberg Bay a 31-year-old suspect is facing a charge of sexual assault following an incident on Friday evening, 12 February, when he allegedly violated a teenage girl (14) at a spaza shop. The suspect appeared in the Plettenberg Magistrate's Court on Monday 15 February. He remains in custody. The date of his next court appearance has not yet been confirmed.