Africa-Press – South-Africa. A 43-year-old truck driver was arrested in Middelburg in the Eastern Cape for allegedly raping a 23-year-old hitchhiker he had picked up in Kariega on Monday afternoon.
Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said it was alleged that the woman was among several people who had caught a ride on the truck.
She was left alone with the truck driver after the rest of the passengers were dropped off in Jansenville.
“About 30km from Graaff-Reinet on the Jansenville road at a resting spot, he threatened the woman with a firearm and raped her. She was dropped off in Graaff-Reinet, where she alerted police,” Naidu said.
The Graaff-Reinet Operational Command Centre (OCC) and visible policing members responded swiftly and arrested the driver in Middelburg, Naidu said.
“The driver was arrested while en route to Colesberg. He was detained on a charge of rape. We were able to find him shortly after the matter was reported to the police because he told the woman where he was going.”
Sarah Baartman District police commissioner Zolani Xawuka commended the police for their immediate action and apprehension of the driver.
“The SAPS would like to warn women about the dangers of hitchhiking as they can easily fall prey to robberies, rape, human trafficking or even murder. The ride is not always free,” Xawuka said.
He added that hitchhiking could also be dangerous for motorists who stop to pick up strangers.
“Never hitchhike, as this puts your safety in danger,” he warned.
The driver is expected to appear in the Graaff-Reinet Magistrate’s Court.
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