…Researched and contributed by Henry George.
Police in Durban North are requesting assistance from the public in locating a man linked to a rape and robbery case that took place in February.
According to police spokesperson Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo, detectives believe that the man depicted in the attached identikit can be of assistance in solving the crime.
The incident involved a 30-year-old woman who was walking on Millennium Bridge when she was approached by two unknown suspects who threatened her with a knife.
One of the suspects took her belongings, while the other raped her.
Anyone with information that may aid in the investigation is asked to contact Detective Warrant Officer Cele or Crime Stop.
Information can also be communicated through the MySAPS app.
Arrest of KwaZulu-Natal Taxi Driver Accused of Raping and Poisoning Teenage Girl
In another incident, a KwaZulu-Natal taxi driver was arrested for allegedly raping and poisoning a 17-year-old girl in Nompondo, near Hluhluwe, at the beginning of the year.
According to Times Live, the teenager died after being raped and forced to drink brake fluid by the taxi driver on 29 January 2023.
The 24-year-old taxi driver was apprehended on 22 February and made his first court appearance on 27 February in the Hluhluwe Magistrate’s court.
He was remanded in custody and was due to return to court on 7 March for a formal bail application.
The teenager’s family was relieved to hear of the arrest but is still seeking answers as to why their daughter was harmed and killed.
Commentary
These two incidents serve as a reminder of the ongoing issue of gender-based violence in South Africa.
Women and girls remain vulnerable to sexual assault, and it is important that the authorities continue to investigate and prosecute such crimes.
The public’s assistance in identifying suspects is crucial to solving these cases and bringing perpetrators to justice.
It is also crucial that survivors of sexual assault receive the necessary support and care, and that their families are offered the necessary help to cope with the trauma of these incidents.