Rape Suspect Re-Arrested in Rustenburg After Escape

Rustenburg – A 23-year-old rape suspect who briefly slipped through the cracks of justice is back in police custody, thanks to swift teamwork between national and local law enforcement.

The suspect, originally arrested in Umzimkhulu, KwaZulu-Natal, on 1 September 2025, allegedly raped a 28-year-old woman from Sisulu. According to police, the victim was attacked while on her way to her cousin’s home. The suspect reportedly forced her into a house, raped her, and later fell asleep — giving the woman a chance to escape and raise the alarm. He was arrested that same day.

However, days later, the suspect managed to escape from lawful custody. His brief taste of freedom was cut short on Saturday, 6 September 2025, when a multi-disciplinary police team traced him to Rustenburg. Acting on a tip-off, the team — which included National Crime Intelligence, Phokeng K9, Kokstad FCS Unit, Rustenburg District Crime Intelligence, and the Rustenburg CPF — arrested him in the early hours of the morning.

“The circumstances surrounding his escape are part of ongoing investigations,” said lieutenant colonel Amanda van Wyk.

Police confirmed that just last month, 2,284 sexual offenders were arrested nationwide for crimes ranging from rape and attempted rape to sexual assault and abduction.

Photo: The re-arrested suspect, back in custody after a multi-disciplinary operation in Rustenburg.