By: Zimasa Matiwane

A 38-year-old man is appearing in the Durban Magistrates Court today on three charges of rape, attempted murder and kidnapping of a 6-year-old girl.

This man was arrested after the six-year-old girl went missing. She was on her way home from school in the Clairwood area. She was later found in a bush along Edwin Swales Drive. The child told the police that she was

kidnapped by a truck driver who dragged her into a bush, tied her up, and raped her. The man allegedly also hit the girl with a brick.

According to police spokesperson Colonel Jay Naicker, following the details of the incident related by the child to Brighton Beach Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, an investigation that led to a breakthrough began.

“Investigators interviewed all trucking companies in the area, an employer confirmed that he found items belonging to the child in his truck, an arrest was made and the suspect confessed,” Naicker said.

KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonye Ngobeni commended the arrest and called on to parents to guarantee the safety of their children.

The Durban Magistrates Courts where the suspect will appear. Pictures by: SAPS

“We are glad that this monster is behind bars where he can do no harm to our innocent children,” she said. “We once again call on parents to be aware that there are such friends among us who will commit the most heinous acts of violence on our children should they have an opportunity. We are responsible for the safety of our children and need to ensure that they are not exposed to these criminals.”

The victim had sustained bruises on her body and her face was swollen due to the assault.