Sex crimes a concern in Mahalapye
Mahalapye Central is facing a disturbing rise in sexual violence, with police confirming that 19 rape cases and 13 defilement cases have been reported so far this year. Commander of Mahalapye Central Police Station, Superintendent Meshack Ranku, confirmed the figures and said investigations into recent incidents are ongoing.
In one of the latest cases, a 22-year-old woman from Botalaote ward was allegedly raped during the early hours of last Saturday. According to police reports, the victim was walking home returning from bars at around 1am when she met a 28-year-old man she knew. He allegedly dragged her to a nearby unoccupied house and raped her. The accused has since been arrested. The victim and the suspect were taken to Mahalapye Hospital for medical examinations.
He appeared before the Mahalapye Magistrate Court on 2nd June. Another rape case was reported on Sunday 1st June, involving a 19-year-old woman from Ditimamodimo ward in Pallaroad. The suspect, who is her ex-boyfriend, visited her home, and after some time, convinced her to accompany him to the nearby Lenganeng lands under the pretext of reconciliation. Upon arrival, he allegedly raped her. The suspect is still at large. Police are also investigating a case of grievous harm that occurred around 3:35 am on 31st May at Xhosa 2 in Mahalapye. Two men, aged 22 and 33, were reportedly attacked during a dispute at a drinking spot.
One sustained a fractured hand while the other was injured on the arm. Both were admitted to Mahalapye Hospital and are in stable condition. The suspect fled the scene and has not yet been arrested.