COUNCILLOR ARRESTED FOR HOUSEBREAKING, ASSAULT AND ATTEMPTED RAPE
A 39-year-old councillor was arrested in Kriel for housebreaking, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and attempted rape on Friday 05 May 2023.
According to information the councillor reportedly visited his friend where they had a couple of drinks. It is further alleged that whilst still in the house, the councillor allegedly made some inappropriate sexual comments towards the 12-year-old girl. After that, the two friends went out for leisure at a particular tavern nearby.
The mother of the girl had reportedly gone to work hence the girl, as well as her elder sister (26), is said to have been temporarily left to stay with their uncle (the councillor’s friend).
It is said that whilst the two buddies were still in the tavern, the councillor sneaked out without telling his friend.
At about 23h30, the elder sister alleged that she heard somebody breaking into the house. She further alleges that the person tried to open her bedroom door which was fortunately locked. She then immediately called a friend and requested him to immediately alert the police. The man allegedly assaulted the teenage girl and tried to rape her. Whilst still in a state of shock, the elder sister reportedly heard her younger sister calling for her uncle to rescue her.
The report further states that the intruder responded by saying that the uncle was not in the house. At that moment, the Police fortunately arrived and upon noticing their arrival, the intruder reportedly abandoned what he was doing and escaped through the window, leaving behind his T-shirt as well as his mobile phone.
Police went after the suspect and caught him and according to the report, the man was wearing a pair of blue jeans as well as brown shoes without a top when he was cornered. He was charged accordingly. It is also reported that the suspect further sustained some injuries in the head.
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As the Police went through the scene during the course of the probe, they came across some blood drops in the house as well as on the window. The suspect’s car was also found about 50 metres away from the home.
The arrested councillor is expected to appear in the Kriel Magistrate’s Court today, Monday, 08 May 2023 facing the said charges.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has condemned the incident whilst applauding men and women in Blue from Kriel for their swift response thereby arresting the suspect.
Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
