BLOEMFONTEIN - After 17 years on the run, a Bloemfontein man wanted in connection with a 2009 rape case has been arrested.
The 38-year-old was arrested in Mangaung on Tuesday night during a targeted, intelligence-led operation by the Free State Provincial Tracking Team.
According to police, the man was 17 when he allegedly raped his 32-year-old neighbour in 2009.
It is alleged that the suspect accompanied his neighbour and friends to a local tavern. While they were returning home in a bakkie, the suspect allegedly pulled over before raping the victim, while the other occupants remained in the back of the vehicle.
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A case of robbery was opened at Bloemspruit police station, leading to the suspect’s arrest.
He appeared in court and was granted bail but subsequently failed to attend his scheduled court appearances. The court then issued a warrant for his arrest.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court soon.
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