A 27 year old man accused of raping a mentally challenged 19 year old male in QwaQwa is under police guard in hospital after he was allegedly assaulted by community members seeking vigilante justice, police said.
The incident allegedly occurred on Sunday evening in Makgaolwaneng Village near Tseki, QwaQwa.
According to police, the suspect allegedly invited the teenager to meet him at a local tavern. The complainant reportedly approached the man seeking money, but when the suspect was unable to provide any, the teenager left and returned home.
Police allege that the suspect followed the complainant to his residence. Once there, the suspect allegedly asked the teenager to sit on his lap. When the complainant refused, the suspect allegedly raped him.
The matter was later reported to the victim’s family, triggering outrage within the community.
Members of the community allegedly confronted and assaulted the suspect following the incident. The extent of his injuries has not been disclosed, but authorities confirmed that he remains hospitalized while receiving medical treatment.
The rape case was officially reported to police on Tuesday, leading to the opening of a criminal investigation. Police have also launched a separate investigation into the alleged mob attack, which has been registered as an attempted murder case.
“The suspect is currently receiving medical treatment under police guard and will appear before the Tseki Magistrate’s Court once he has recovered and is declared fit to stand trial,” said Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring, spokesperson for the South African Police Service in the Free State.
The alleged rape has renewed concerns about sexual violence against vulnerable persons, including individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Advocacy groups have long warned that people with disabilities face an increased risk of abuse because of their dependence on caregivers and difficulties in reporting crimes.
Police urged residents not to resort to vigilante action, regardless of the seriousness of allegations against suspects.
“While members of the public may effect a citizen’s arrest in certain circumstances, suspects must be handed over to the police without being harmed. Mob justice and vigilantism are criminal offences and undermine the rule of law,” Mophiring said.
Authorities have appealed for anyone with additional information relating to either the alleged rape or the assault on the suspect to cooperate with investigators.
The investigations continue.