25-05-2025
Man arrested for kidnapping and raping minor in Western Cape
A Western Cape man was arrested after he kidnapped and raped a minor in George on Saturday, 24 May 2025.
The 42-year-old suspect approached two girls walking along York Street near the George Cemetery.
'He convinced the two minors to accompany him to a nearby shop. They were taken to an open field near the R102, also known as Airport Road, where the ten-year-old girl was allegedly raped,' read the police statement.
The other girl managed to escape and informed her family about the incident.
Several community safety structures and local security companies began searching for the victim.
The police said, 'The search took the team to Syferfontein near Pacaltsdorp in George, where the man was tracked down.'
Police investigations led to a residence between the N2 and Airport Road, where they found the victim.
She was taken to a medical facility for care.
The suspect is currently in police custody and will appear in court once charged.
A man was sentenced to eight years in prison for raping an 18-year-old girl in November 2023.
According to a police statement, the suspect, Gavin Hendriks, held the victim at knifepoint and raped her while she was on her way back from an establishment.
'The accused dragged her to the soccer field, undressed her, and proceeded to sexually assault her. The accused fled the scene, leaving the victim, who went to the nearest house and received assistance in contacting the police,' read the police statement.
Hendriks pleaded guilty to raping the victim and the De Aar Regional Court convicted and sentenced him.
Approximately 142 Gender Based Violence (GBV) suspects have been arrested during Operation Shanela.
Additionally, the operation arrested 732 suspects who have been on the run after committing violent crimes, including murder, rape, armed robbery, sexual assault and car hijacking.
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