A 42-year-old man is in police custody following a violent incident in the Bhamjee Squatter Camp, Ngodwana, which culminated in his arrest on charges of kidnapping, rape, and house robbery.
The case stems from an attack that began in the early hours of Monday, 17 November 2025. According to a statement from the 30-year-old victim, she was sleeping alone in her rented room at approximately 01:00 when she was awakened by a noise from the window.
Upon waking, she saw a man, known to her, inside the room. The woman screamed for help, but no one responded. The suspect then allegedly instructed her to be quiet and began strangling her. Despite her attempts to defend herself, she was overpowered and lost consciousness.
When she regained consciousness, the suspect was seated next to her on the bed. The victim noticed a knife on a nearby stove and used it to stab the suspect in his left shoulder. The assailant, however, overpowered her once again, assaulted her with his fists, and forced her to the floor.
The suspect then demanded money, taking her bank card and cell phone. He proceeded to cover her face with a cloth, forcefully undressed her, and raped her. Following the assault, he forcibly took the victim to his own residence, where he locked her inside without providing any food.
The victim’s disappearance prompted concern from her family, leading to a community meeting on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, which the suspect also attended.
The victim later managed to escape her captivity by climbing through a window.
The 42-year-old suspect has been arrested and is expected to make his first appearance before the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 20 November 2025, to face formal charges of kidnapping, rape, and house robbery.