MEC MBALULA HAIL POLICE FOR THE ARREST OF MURDER AND RAPE SUSPECT

Photo: Crime Scene Logo

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By: Staff Reporter

MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport Jabu Mbalula has welcomed the arrest of a 35 year old man in connection with the rape and murder of two women in Botshabelo.

“I want to congratulate members of the South African Police Service for the swift arrest of the suspect. We are relieved that he is in custody and there is one less potential rapist and murderer off our streets,” said MEC Mbalula.

The suspect was arrested on Monday, 24, in Section F, Botshabelo.

According to the police, a 30-year-old victim was repeatedly raped over a period of two days, from 21 February 2025, to 23 February 2025.

It is alleged that the 30-year-old and her 34-year-old friend went to the residence of the suspect at E Section following promises to give them alcohol.

After consuming the alcohol, the suspect allegedly refused to allow them to leave the premises and produced a knife stabbing the 34-year-old who attempted to leave.

He then allegedly forced the 30-year-old into his bedroom and raped her multiple times.

She managed to escape and run to Botshabelo Police Station in the early hours of 23 February 2025.

Botshabelo police promptly rushed to the scene and on arrival at E Section, they forced open the burglar door, entered the house and found the body of a female lying on the floor.

She had a stab wound on the right side of the neck.

The emergency medical services personnel declared her dead.

MEC Mbalula appealed to women to be vigilant and not be enticed by alcohol.

“I am particularly saddened because it is alleged that the suspect committed these heinous crime after the promise of alcohol. I appeal to our women not to let their guard down and to desist from excessive alcohol consumption. A life has been unnecessarily lost while the other has been ruined, all because of alcohol. We extend our condolences to the bereaved family and wish strength to the survivor,” said MEC Mba lula.

The suspect is expected to make his first appearance at the Botshabelo Magistrate’s Court on (today) Wednesday, 26.