NHLAZATSHE – A manhunt by community members led to the arrest of a 26-year-old suspect who allegedly raped a two-year-old girl on Thursday.
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According to the police, the toddler was walking to a nearby shop when she was lured by the suspect to an abandoned house in the neighborhood. “The grandmother of the child was alerted by a passerby who shouted for help after seeing the child bleeding and dripping blood from the legs,” said spokesperson for the Elukwatini police station Sergeant Wiseman Nkosi. Nkosi added that a resident allegedly witnessed the suspect walking to the abandoned house with the toddler before the incident took place. The witness informed the community and a manhunt was lodged.
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“The suspect was found drinking alcohol not far from the area and was allegedly assaulted before he was handed over to the police. He is currently in police custody and sustained minor injuries,” said Nkosi.
Elukwatini police station Commander, Colonel Sozabile Sibiya commended the community for their assistance in the arrest of the alleged perpetrator, but warned them against mob justice. “We advise our communities not to take the law into their own hands, but always call the police to bring perpetrators to book,” concluded Sibiya.
