Potchefstroom: The Klerksdorp Cluster Trio Task Team arrested another suspect yesterday, 26 February 2019, for house robbery, rape and kidnapping of a 58-year-old woman on a farm in Makwassie last week.

The suspect, aged 34, was arrested in Ermelo, Mpumalanga. The police recovered a firearm and necklace that were taken during the robbery. The suspect is expected to appear in the Makwassie Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 1 March 2019 on charges of house robbery, rape and kidnapping.

The first arrest of a 22-year-old Mzwake Percy Jantjies was effected on Friday, 22 February 2019. Jantjies subsequently appeared in the Makwassie Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 25 February 2019. He was remanded in custody until Tuesday, 5 March 2019.

The arrests emanate from an incident in which a 58-year-old woman was allegedly assaulted, raped and kidnapped on a farm near Makwassie on Tuesday, 19 February 2019. It is alleged that the accused forcefully gained entrance into the house where they found the woman alone. They allegedly overpowered the woman, assaulted her with an iron pipe and raped her. The accused then tied her hands, feet and mouth and drove away with her in her Toyota Corolla.

According to information available at this stage, the accused were forced to stop after one of the vehicle’s front tyres burst on the farm road. They then fled on foot with stolen goods. The victim managed to stop the neighbours, who were passing by and assisted her.

Investigation into the matter continues including the possibility of linking the suspects to the cases that were committed in the area and Wolmaransstad.

The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane commended the team for their dedication and swift reaction that led to the arrests. She said that the police will continue with their commitment of reducing the levels of serious crimes including at rural areas.

Source: South African Police Service