Pretoria - North West Premier Thandi Modise has welcomed the fact that no bail was granted to the two suspects arrested in connection with the abduction and rape of two women.
The suspects were appearing in Mmabatho and Lehurutshe Magistrates Court on Monday.
In commending police for the arrests over the weekend, Premier Modise called on women to avoid walking alone along isolated spots even during the day.
“Escalating incidents of abduction and rape of women suggest that perpetrators target women who are walking alone in isolated spots. It might be advisable for women to start carrying whistles to draw attention in the event they are attacked. We call on communities not to ignore pleas for help from women who might desperately need help,” said Premier Modise.
A 38-year-old suspect was arrested for allegedly kidnapping and raping a 38-year-old victim on 24 October 2013. Police said the incident took place in Imperial Resort, Mahikeng.
According to police, the victim was allegedly crossing the road between Imperial resort and Ramosadi village when she was confronted by the suspect, who grabbed her from behind, assaulted her and forced her to his residential place where he raped her.
The victim reportedly managed to escape from the suspect’s place on 26 October 2013 and went straight to the police station to report the matter and the suspect was arrested.
In another incident, a 21-year-old suspect was also arrested for allegedly raping a 28-year-old victim on Saturday, in Ntswelentsoku, Lehurutshe.
According to police, the victim was allegedly on her way to the shop when she was confronted by the suspect, who forcefully took the complainant to the nearby bushes and raped her.
It is further alleged that after the incident the suspect took the victim to a nearby tavern from where she managed to run away. The suspect reportedly followed her and took her back to the bushes and threatened her with a knife before he raped her again and robbed her of an undisclosed amount of cash.
Charges of rape and common robbery were laid against him. – SAnews.gov.za
