12-year-old helps cops nab his alleged rapist

Cape Town – A 12-year-old boy assisted the City of Cape Town’s Metro Police in apprehending the man suspected of raping the young victim, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith said on Monday.

“I want to commend the young boy for seeking help and speaking out. It was an extremely brave thing to do,” said Smith.

On Wednesday, during Metro Police operations and patrols, they spotted the boy when he flagged down officers in Parow.

“The boy informed them that he had been sexually assaulted at a nearby canal and escorted officers to the scene,” said Smith.

“En route he pointed out the suspect, who was immediately arrested by the officers.”

The 47-year-old suspect was arrested on a charge of rape and transferred to the South African Police Service (SAPS) who have the necessary authority.

“It is an extremely sensitive issue and I hope that the investigation by the South African Police Service is handled appropriately,” said Smith.

The man was one of two suspects arrested by Metro Police, on the same day and on a charge of rape. The two were also part of a larger 186 suspects arrested by the City’s law enforcement agencies from Monday May 16.

Another notable arrest made by the Metro Police involved a man from Eerste River.

“The City’s Law Enforcement Department was called upon to deal with a suspect acting in a riotous manner in Kleinvlei on Wednesday,” said Smith.

Responding to a colleague’s call for assistance, an off-duty officer found a male suspect armed with a knife. The two officers responded to the threat with pepper-spray before disarming the suspect.

“They later found that he had assaulted his ex-girlfriend by stabbing her and hitting her in the face with a brick,” said Smith.

In addition, the suspect had damaged the windows and the gate of a property in the area.

“The suspect was charged with possession of a dangerous weapon, riotous behaviour, assault with intention to do grievous bodily harm, and malicious damage to property. It was later established that he is on parole after a previous murder conviction,” said Smith.

A further 64 suspects were arrested by Metro Police for drunk driving and/or drug-related charges, while 120 suspects were arrested by traffic services for drunk driving, reckless and negligent driving, and for outstanding warrants of arrest.

Narcotics confiscated included more than 800 mandrax tablets and various quantities of dagga, tik, and unga.

African News Agency