BEKKERSDAL police are advising residents to avoid walking alone in dark, hidden areas.
Sergeant Linkie Lefakane has noted with concern an alarming number of rape incidents happening in and around the Bekkersdal policing area.
The hardest hit areas are Simunye and Zuurbekom.
“The suspects prey on unsuspecting victims while they are on their way to either home from drinking places or to the tuck shop,” said Lefakane.
This incidents happen during the night.
“The community is therefore advised to avoid walking in bushy, dark areas as they risk being violated.”
In an incident that happened on 31 July after 7pm, a 49- year-old victim from Zuurbekom was on her way to the tuck shop when she was approached by an unknown assailant who raped her.
She reported the matter to the police and was able to compile an identikit of the suspect.
The suspect is said to be between 21 and 25 years old.
He is tall, slender and dark in complexion.
He was wearing a black hooded jacket with white fur and is still at large.
Anyone who may have information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect may contact the nearest police station or contact CrimeStop on 08600 10111 or send an anonymous tip-off on the MySAPS app.
She said in another unrelated incident, a 20-year-old Bekkersdal suspect appeared on Monday, 22 August, before the Westonaria Magistrates Court after he was arrested and charged with the rape of a 19-year-old victim on Saturday, 20 August, after 10pm in a ditch.
The victim was on her way home from a drinking place when she met two males, one of whom was known to her.
They offered to accompany her home and while walking, they dragged her into a ditch and took turns raping her.
She went home and reported the matter to the police where a manhunt was launched.
The known suspect was traced and arrested on Sunday afternoon.
“Let us be extra vigilant and be cautious at all times,” said station commander Colonel Phumelele Matamela. “Remember if a woman is raped, it is not because she failed to avoid it but it’s because someone stronger forced himself on her,” she said.
