Khayelitsha Woman Identifies Rapist—Police Take Him to Hospital Instead

A rape investigation in Khayelitsha has raised serious concerns after police allegedly released a suspect without proper questioning or evidence collection. The man, who had been identified by the victim and residents, was instead taken to hospital for treatment and later seen walking free.

The case began on 30 March, when a young woman reported being abducted and raped repeatedly by a stranger in Khayelitsha. She filed a report the next day at Makhaza Police Station and received post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) at a local hospital.

Unable to pinpoint the exact scene of the crime, the case initially lacked key details. However, on 1 April, neighbours told the victim they had seen someone matching her description of the attacker. The man was well known in the area and was soon apprehended by local residents who questioned and assaulted him before calling police.

When officers from Khayelitsha Police Station arrived, they were given the case number from Makhaza Police Station and informed of the rape allegation. But instead of taking the man in for questioning or alerting the original investigators, they transported him to Khayelitsha Day Hospital for treatment and allegedly failed to notify anyone handling the rape case.

To the community’s shock, the suspect was seen freely walking the streets the next day. He allegedly taunted residents and warned them not to interfere, saying he would never be arrested.

Western Cape SAPS spokesperson Malcolm Pojie confirmed that the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit is now investigating the matter. He stated that the suspect had threatened the victim with a knife and assaulted her in his shack overnight.

Pojie also acknowledged that part of the investigation involves verifying reports that the suspect received treatment at the day hospital.

While initial police response appeared to follow procedure, including collecting a statement and arranging a medical exam for the victim, questions have now emerged about the actions of officers who failed to act on new information that could have led to an arrest.

Despite the man being in police custody, no formal interrogation took place, and no efforts were made to collect fingerprints, DNA, or photographs. The victim has reportedly not been contacted again by the investigating officer.

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Orinally published on Ground Up, sourced down below

Sourced:The Citizen