Police apprehend rape suspect
2002-05-25 15:42
Johannesburg - Police this week arrested a 23-year-old man accused of stalking,
abducting and raping at least several schoolgirls in the
Johannesburg area.
Police spokesperson Amanda Roestoff said the Johannesburg FCS
(Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences) Unit
apprehended the suspect in Alberton on Wednesday.
Police had managed to identify the man after a recent
description by a victim who managed to get away.
Police analysed four case dockets over a seven month period
where the circumstances were similar, the most recent case being on
Monday.
During this time, young schoolgirls aged between 16 and 17 were
abducted by a male with blond hair and glasses.
The suspect, an unmarried computer operator, preyed on
schoolgirls from Sandton, Linden, Moffatview and Booysens.
The suspect, who drove a silver Toyota Tazz, would stop next to
the victim and pretend to ask for directions to a nearby place. He
would then feign helplessness and confusion and ask them to
accompany him to that place.
Once they were in the car he would threaten the victims and
claim to have a gun under his car seat, Roestoff said.
He would then drive to a secluded place, force them to have oral
sex and rape them.
The last victim managed to escape by jumping out of the car at a
red robot.
The suspect was formally charged on Friday and will face two counts of
rape, two counts of abduction, and one of indecent assault.
Police are appealing to any other possible victims who may
recognise the suspect described to come forward. Anyone with
information should contact Detective Boonstra Ph: 082-418-2788 or
Sergeant Ungerer Ph: 073-168-2116.
- SAPA