VANDERBIJLPARK. – Speedy action by a petrol attendant and the police has led to the arrest of a suspect in a robbery and rape case.
On Sunday July 19 a woman was returning home after having had photocopies made when she was accosted by a 46-year-old male armed with a knife.
He forced her into the bushes in Becquerel Street, CW2, Vanderbijlpark and raped her.
After the rape he searched her and stole her cell phone leaving her where he had committed the crime.
The victim managed to stop a car and on hearing her story the driver of the car took her to her sister.
The sister then accompanied her to the police station to report the crime. About an hour later, says Sgt Gertrude Makhale, Communication Officer, Vanderbijlpark SAPS, the suspect accosted a second victim who was on her own. She tried to cross the street to avoid him but he held a knife to her throat and forced her into the veld where he tried to rape her.
When he found he was incapable he used his hand to commit the crime.
He then walked away and was seen to attempt to sell the first victim’s cell phone.
Her calls for help were heard by a petrol attendant who alerted the police. On rapidly responding to the call the police were able to arrest the suspect.
The suspect appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates Court on a charge of rape, attempted rape and armed robbery.
* Thanks and congratulations to the police for their rapid response and the petrol attendant for alerting the police.
