PORT ALFRED – A 20-year-old rape suspect is in police custody after a community group in Nemato, Port Alfred, tracked him down and handed him over to police unharmed on 22 August.

According to police spokesperson Captain Marius McCarthy, the suspect allegedly fled on foot after being confronted by a 78-year-old grandmother over the alleged sexual assault of her seven-year-old granddaughter.

He said that, following the suspect’s escape, members of a local community group mobilised to track his whereabouts.

McCarthy said their actions took a highly disciplined turn due to intensive, ongoing community policing engagements and dialogues previously conducted by the SAPS.

“Honouring their commitment to working within the framework of the law and respecting the constitutional rights of suspects, the group located the hiding fugitive. The group secured the suspect safely and immediately contacted the police,” said McCarthy.

He said SAPS members responded swiftly to the coordinates provided and arrested the suspect.

“The suspect was handed over entirely unharmed and free of injuries, representing a massive victory for law-abiding community structures,” said McCarthy.

He said a case of rape was immediately opened and assigned to the local Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.

Sarah Baartman District Commissioner Major General Thandiswa Kupiso highly commended the community group for its outstanding restraint and mature cooperation.

“This is a milestone moment for community-policing partnerships in our district. Their actions mean our FCS detectives can now present a clean, legally sound case to the courts without any side investigations. We praise this community for choosing justice over violence,” said Kupiso.

McCarthy said the suspect is currently detained and is expected to appear in the Port Alfred Magistrate’s Court soon.

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