By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – A 27-year-old man accused of raping a mentally challenged 19-year-old from Makgalaleng is under heavy police guard in hospital after being severely assaulted by community members in an apparent act of vigilante justice.
The suspect is receiving medical treatment while remaining under arrest, according to Free State police.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring said the alleged rape occurred on Sunday, 31 May.
According to preliminary investigations, the complainant and the suspect met at a local tavern after the suspect allegedly invited him there. The complainant reportedly asked the suspect for money, which he was unable to provide.
The complainant then left the tavern and returned home, but the suspect allegedly followed him to his residence.
Mophiring said it is alleged that the suspect asked the complainant to sit on his lap. When he refused, the suspect allegedly raped him.
The incident was later reported to the victim’s family, triggering outrage within the community.
“Following the incident, members of the community allegedly assaulted the suspect, leaving him hospitalized and receiving medical treatment while under arrest,” said Mophiring.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Tseki Magistrate’s Court once he has recovered and is declared fit to stand trial.
Police have also opened an attempted murder case linked to the alleged mob assault.
“Acts of vigilantism and mob justice are criminal offences and undermine the rule of law,” he said.
Mophiring warned residents against taking the law into their own hands, stressing that while citizens may perform a lawful citizen’s arrest under certain circumstances, suspects must be handed over to the police unharmed.
