Central SA
Botshabelo man in court for murder, rape─── ZENANDE MPAME 06:00 Wed, 26 Feb 2025
A Botshabelo man is set to appear in the local magistrate’s court on Wednesday (26/2) on charges of rape and murder.
The 35-year-old is accused of repeatedly raping a woman (30) over two days. He is also accused of fatally stabbing a 34-year-old who attempted to leave his residence.
He was arrested on Monday (24/2) after a task team was dispatched to search for him. Acting on a tip-off, officers identified him as a passenger in a vehicle traveling through Section F.
“The suspect was apprehended as he was reportedly preparing to flee Botshabelo,” said Free State police spokesperson Mahlomola Kareli. “The victim was allegedly sexually assaulted multiple times from Friday until Sunday."
‘The suspect allegedly refused to let them leave’
Kareli said it is further alleged that the victims visited the suspect’s residence in E Section after he promised them alcohol. After consuming the alcohol, the suspect allegedly refused to let them leave.
“The suspect then produced a knife and allegedly stabbed the 34-year-old as she tried to escape,” Kareli said. “He then allegedly forced the 30-year-old into his bedroom, where he raped her repeatedly.”
The victim managed to escape and ran to the police station in the early hours of Sunday morning. When officers arrived at the suspect’s residence, they forced open the burglar door and entered the house, where they found the body of the victim’s friend lying on the floor.
“The woman had a stab wound on the right side of her neck, and emergency medical services declared her dead upon arrival,” said Kareli.
‘One life has been unnecessarily lost, and another has been ruined’
MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport, Jabu Mbalula, commended the police for their swift action in arresting the suspect.
“We are relieved that he is in custody – one less potential rapist and murderer on our streets,” Mbalula said. “I appeal to women to remain vigilant and to avoid excessive alcohol consumption. One life has been unnecessarily lost, and another has been ruined – all because of alcohol.”
He extended the government’s condolences to the victim's family and wished the survivor a full recovery.
