Man admits to raping women
2008-07-29 18:08
Thabisile Khoza and Warren Mabona
Kwamhlanga - A rape suspect has admitted to raping several women in Vezubuhle and Sun City villages near KwaMhlanga in Mpumalanga.
He was arrested on Saturday and is under police guard in the KwaMhlanga hospital after being beaten up by angry villagers.
KwaMhlanga police spokesperson Mumsy Cibe said the suspect admitted he was part of a crime syndicate and that he had raped several other women in the past.
"We are appealing to the other victims to come forward and press charges against him," she said.
He was arrested after allegedly trying to rape a 32-year-old woman from Sun City AA as they searched for firewood in the veld.
The woman told police that the man chased away her friend and her 11-year-old son, but her son was able to get help before his mother was raped.
The man fled the scene.
Raised the alarm
Cibe said: "When we arrived, the woman was lying down and had bruises on her throat and face."
The woman later saw the suspect walking in a street and raised the alarm. He was beaten up and is under police guard in hospital.
He is expected to appear in the KwaMhlanga Magistrate's Court on charges of assault with the intention to cause grievous bodily harm and attempted rape when he is well enough.
Another woman was raped at knifepoint while collecting wood in the same area on Sunday.
"A massive manhunt was launched with sniffer dogs but the suspect was nowhere to be found," said Cibe.
She urged people to form large groups before collecting firewood.
- African Eye