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A 35-year-old man from the Hlabathi area has appeared in the Lusikisiki Magistrates’ Court following his arrest for the alleged rape of a 20-year-old woman near Gqibelana.
The incident happened on Sunday, 12 April 2026, at around 18:30, when the woman was walking to visit her boyfriend. According to police, she was approached by an unknown man who allegedly threatened her with a knife and demanded sex before assaulting her.
During the attack, the woman reportedly managed to fight back after the suspect dropped the knife. She allegedly picked it up and stabbed him in the neck before he fled the scene.
Police investigations later led officers to a nearby hospital, where information linked the suspect to the incident. He was arrested on Tuesday, 14 April, and was found with stab wounds to the neck. Bloodstained clothing was also recovered at his home.
The suspect made his first court appearance on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, facing a charge of rape.
Police in the OR Tambo District have praised both the arresting officers and the victim’s actions during the incident. The victim’s response may have helped police identify and locate the suspect quickly.
This case highlights ongoing safety risks faced by women in rural areas of the Eastern Cape, where people often walk long distances between villages such as Hlabathi and Gqibelana.
The case is expected to continue in court. Further details about bail or the next court date have not yet been confirmed.
We will update this story as more information becomes available.
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