Update: An 18-year-old taken in for questioning following the rapes of five women earlier this week, has been released. Eastern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa, said the man was not linked to the case and police investigations continue.
Original article
Eastern Cape police have taken an 18-year-old into custody following the rapes of five women in Mqhekezweni, earlier this week.
Provincial South African Police Service (SAPS) Lieutenant Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa, said on Wednesday afternoon, a provincial task team from the SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) took the man in for questioning.
“The investigation process would determine whether he is going to be charged or released,” she said.
IOL previously reported that five women, aged between 20 and 25, were raped at gunpoint. The women were learners at a local school.
Meanwhile, police teams are still on the hunt for two suspects following the murder Chief Bovulengwe Mtirara's mother-in-law.
At the time, police said she was approached by two balaclava-clad men who fired shots, fatally wounding her.
Eastern Cape police commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheli Mene said police are working around the clock to make arrests in both cases.
The province is set to launch its Provincial Safer Festive Season Operations in Komani on Friday.
Under the theme of "Combating crime through decisive police action and robust community involvement" stakeholders will continue to embark on high density operations, stop and searches, roadblocks, tracing of wanted suspects, non-compliance inspections of liquor outlets to ensure safety for all during the festive season and beyond.
IOL News