Kimberley police seek public assistance in tavern rape investigation

The Kimberley SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit is investigating an alleged rape that occurred late on the night of 4 August 2024.

Police say a 25-year-old woman reported that she had asked an unknown man for a lift from a tavern in the Kimberley CBD. Around midnight, she entered a yellow two-door hatchback.

Instead of taking her home, the man allegedly drove to a dark, secluded area near the state veterinary on Boshof Road, threatened her with a knife and assaulted her.

The situation escalated to the point where, in an attempt to escape, the victim jumped out of the moving vehicle. However, the alleged assailant reached out, grabbed her through the car window and dragged her along with the moving vehicle.

The victim told police she tried to escape by jumping from the moving vehicle. However, the driver allegedly grabbed her through the car window and dragged her alongside the moving vehicle.

She later managed to report the incident to police, who are now searching for a person of interest who may have crucial information.

The man is described as about 35 years old, light brown in complexion, approximately 1.6 metres tall, with a chubby build. He was reportedly wearing a jacket, T-shirt and dark-coloured cap, and is fluent in Afrikaans, a detail which may aid in identifying him..

Authorities urge anyone with knowledge related to this case to come forward. Detective Sergeant Pabalelo Mongale can be reached directly at 082 302 0473 or 053 838 4255. Alternatively, individuals can contact the SAPS Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111 or utilise the MySaps app.

All information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality as the community rallies together to support the investigation.