GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Specialist detectives of the George Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual offences (FCS) Unit ensured that five suspects were arrested in connection with sexual offences reported in the Garden Route District the past week.

In George, a 28-year-old suspect was arrested on suspicion of raping a physically challenged girl (13) in Zone 7, Thembalethu.

According to Southern Cape police spokesperson Sgt Chris Spies, it is alleged that the girl disappeared from their residence on 31 July and was found in a shack in the area the following day where she had allegedly been sexually violated. Police later arrested the occupant of the residence on a charge of rape.

In an unrelated incident, a 43-year-old suspect was arrested after he allegedly assaulted and raped his 31-year-old girlfriend in Conville on Tuesday 2 August.

In addition to these arrests, various police units in Mossel Bay embarked on an integrated awareness campaign over the past weekend to sensitise communities about the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). 

They also gave advice on where and how those affected can find assistance.

Three arrested near Plettenberg Bay

The FCS unit also arrested a 52-year-old suspect after he was linked to an incident reported in Kranshoek on 24 July. 

“Investigation reveals that the victim (26) was walking along the gravel road when she was approached by the suspect who assaulted her before he forced himself onto the victim and raped her,” said Spies.

In another matter, Kwanokuthula police responded to an incident at Nyhakhatyha Street on Tuesday evening, 2 August at about 22:00. 

“It is alleged that the victim (35) was on her way home when she was accosted by three men. They allegedly took her to a house where two of them violated her,” said Spies. 

Both suspects, aged 26 and 28, were later arrested on charges of rape.

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