A 28-year-old man linked to multiple rapes at Bizimali High School was rearrested after escaping police custody.
The suspect linked to about five rape cases at Bizimali High School in KwaZulu-Natal was rearrested on Thursday after escaping police custody earlier this week.
The 28-year-old man allegedly targeted about five pupils who live at the cottages of the school in Nkandla. Recently, pupils from the school reportedly staged a picket in the area, demanding the suspect’s arrest.
Bizimali High School rape suspect rearrested
The police in Mariannhill arrested him on Monday morning, but the suspect escaped from police custody later in the day.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli condemned the alleged rape incident and called for the immediate arrest of the suspect after he escaped.
Ntuli urged the local community and the South African Police Service (Saps) to collaborate and share any information that would help find and capture the suspect.
“This shocking act has no place in our schools or in our society. We appeal to anyone with knowledge of the suspect’s whereabouts to urgently contact the nearest police station,” the premier said in a statement on Monday.
“Silence protects perpetrators – we must all take a stand against violence.”
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Premier Ntuli reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to protecting all citizens, especially women and children. He urged communities to report all instances of gender-based violence (GBV).
The police launched a manhunt and the suspect was found at a hostel in Umbilo on Thursday morning.
Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the suspect will appear in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. He faces a charge of escaping from lawful custody.
Authorities will transfer him to Ekhombe, where he will face multiple rape charges.
MEC visits school on Thursday
On Thursday, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Education Sipho Hlomuka visited Bizimali High School to offer support.
“The MEC is saddened by the uncanny series of events whereby learners of Bizimali allege to have been sexually assaulted by a community member,” the KwaZulu-Natal education department said.
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The school principal, Philani Dumakude, the rapes unsettled the entire community surrounding Bizimali.
Gugu Madlala, the chief director for social enrichment, said psychosocial assistance will be provided to Bizimali High School pupils by both the head office and the district office.
“We have our sister departments who we will partner with to provide psychological support to all our learners. The Department of Social Development and other private entities are all available to offer support to this school,” Madlala said.
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