FREE STATE – A 46-year-old man has been arrested following the alleged sexual assault of an 18-year-old woman and an attack on a police reservist in Dewetsdorp on Friday 21 August.

According to police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Thabo Covane, officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance at a residence in Church Street around 23:00.

Police said the incident allegedly began earlier that evening when the 18-year-old woman was working as a bartender at a local establishment.

The suspect reportedly arrived at the premises with a friend and allegedly began making repeated explicit and inappropriate comments about the woman’s body. The woman reportedly ignored the remarks and continued with her duties.

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Unwanted advances

As the establishment was preparing to close around 23:00, all the patrons had left except the suspect, who allegedly insisted on finishing his drink.

After finishing his drink, the man allegedly made further vulgar sexual remarks before subjecting the woman to unwanted physical touching and other alleged sexual acts. The woman managed to push him away and secure the premises, police said.

The suspect allegedly continued to verbally insult the woman and behaved aggressively outside the establishment. The woman then contacted her parents, who arrived at the scene and called the police.

When police arrived, the suspect allegedly became aggressive and attacked a police reservist constable. Officers managed to restrain and arrest the man.

The suspect faces charges of sexual assault, assaulting a police officer, and malicious damage to property. He remains in police custody and is expected to appear in the Dewetsdorp Magistrates’ Court soon.

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