GEORGE NEWS - The George Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual offences unit (FCS) put 11 sexual offence suspects behind bars during the past week.

According to Southern Cape police spokesperson, Sgt Chris Spies, three suspects from Thembalethu were arrested following incidents of sexual violation of three women in the area.

One of the suspects (25) was arrested on a charge of rape. According to Thembalethu Police communications officer, Capt Dumile Gwavu, the suspect appeared in the George Magistrate's Court on 14 February where he was granted bail of R500 on condition that he does not contact the victim under any circumstances. 

The case was postponed to 29 March.

"It is alleged that the suspect raped a 16-year-old girl in Zone 6 on Saturday 12 February," said Gwavu.

In other unrelated incidents in Thembalethu, one suspect was arrested for sexual assault and one for attempted rape. Another 28-year-old suspect was arrested in Conville following allegations of sexual assault and domestic violence on his girlfriend.

Two wanted suspects, aged 37 and 49, were arrested in Pacaltsdorp in connection with incidents of rape and attempted rape reported over the festive period.

Three juveniles are also expected to make their first court appearance this week on charges of rape. Their appearance relates to an incident which was reported at a children's home in the area last week.

"It is alleged that the trio, an 11-year-old and two 12-year-olds, violated a 14-year-old girl. They were assessed and released into their parents' and guardians' care on a warning to appear in court. All victims were afforded the necessary support by the police," Spies said.

Gwavu said that at least forty people were arrested for various crimes ranging from sexual assault to theft, house robbery and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm in Thembalethu over the weekend.

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