Rape suspects assaulted, house torched by mob

NTOMBE – A 34-year-old rape suspect was severely assaulted and his house torched by an angry mob on Saturday evening. The mother of a 15-year-old female contacted RUSA Operations Centre at approximately 18:29 requesting assistance. Reaction Officers were immediately dispatched and on arrival discovered a mob of approximately 50 individuals assaulting a man.

It was established that the male arrived at the teenager’s residence. Her mother is a caregiver to his 9 month old son. He informed the victim’s mother that his wife was out consuming alcohol with friends and would not be returning for the night. He requested that his son spend the night with them. He further requested for the victim to accompany him to his home a short distance away to uplift clothes and diapers for the child. She agreed and proceeded with him.

After some time her mother grew concerned that the female had not returned. She requested that a relative proceed to the suspect’s home and return with the girl. When the family member arrived at the home she entered the house through an unlocked door and discovered the man raping the female. She called out to the community who immediately mobilised and began assaulting the suspect.

According to the teenager, the suspect produced a knife and instructed her to remove her clothing when they entered the house. He then began raping her when her aunt entered the house. The angry mob also set the suspects house alight. Reaction Officers placed the man under arrest and handed him over to SAPS.