A man has been arrested after he allegedly raped and further suffocated a teenager to death.
The 39-year-old man allegedly subjected his victim to the terrifying ordeal as she was going to a pit latrine to answer the call of nature.
He reportedly followed the young girl as she walked alone to the toilet, and sexually abused her.
After he finished with whatever he was doing, the man allegedly took a garment – the local sarong – the teenager had wrapped around her waist, and suffocated her to death.
The man is said to have tried to gag the teenage girl by threatening her with death, but when he realised she would not budge, he allegedly took the garment the little girl was wearing and proceeded to suffocate her.
She reportedly died of strangulation.
The suspect reportedly fled the scene afterwards.
The matter was reported to the Big Bend Police Station, who immediately launched an investigation.
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The intensive investigation led to the eventual apprehension of the suspect on Wednesday.
He was detained at the Big Bend Police Station and subsequently charged for the alleged act.
His arraignment can be expected soon.
The incident left community members shattered.
“It’s the first time for us to witness such. It left us all shocked. We are only hoping that the law will take its course,” said a distressed resident.
A family member was devastated by the incident.
He said the victim’s parents were inconsolable and requested to be given space to mourn the death of their loved one.
Acting Deputy Police Information and Communications Officer Inspector Mazwi Ndzimandze acknowledged receiving a report about the incident.
