Alleged rapists nabbed after 8 months

Durban – KwaZulu-Natal police have nabbed two alleged rapists who evaded authorities for eight months, police said on Tuesday.

The Newcastle Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit made the breakthrough when they arrested the men - 18 and 20 years old respectively - in the Madadeni area on February 3.  

The men appeared in the Madadeni Magistrate’s Court on February 4 and the case was remanded till February 11 for further investigation, police spokesperson Major Thulani Zwane said.

“On 17 June 2015 at about 06:30 the [49-year-old] victim was walking near Phelindaba Sportsfield, Madadeni on her way to work when she was approached by two suspects.

“She was allegedly assaulted and raped before her cellphone was taken by the suspects. A case of rape and robbery was opened at Madadeni police station for further investigation. Newcastle Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit started their investigation.

“The members did not give up and on February 3, the two suspects were traced at Madadeni area where they were arrested and charged for rape and robbery. [A] cellphone that was taken during the incident was also recovered during their arrest,” Zwane said.