DURBAN - The Brighton Beach Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit are looking for a 35-year-old man who was arrested for rape and failed to appear in court last month.
While rape suspects are not named before the start of their trial, the police issued an alert today urging the public to assist them to locate Senzo Landlord Mbeje, after he failed to appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on January 28, 2022.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbele said the Brighton Beach FCS Unit were appealing to the community for assistance in locating the wanted suspect. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
She said Mbeje was due to appear in court in connection with the rape of a 27-year-old woman in Cato Crest, Mayville in 2014.
“It is alleged that on September 6, 2014 at 4:15am, the victim was on her way home when she came across three armed suspects. At knife point they demanded money and cellphones.
“When she told them she had nothing, the suspects became irritated and threatened to harm her. One suspect pushed her down on the road and raped her, while the other two were keeping a look-out,” said Mbele.
Mbele said a case of rape was opened at the Mayville police station and the docket was transferred to the Brighton Beach FCS Unit for further investigation.
She said the suspect was arrested and appeared in court but he was released on warning due to ill health,” she said.
Police said the case was adjourned to January 28 however Mbeje failed to appear in court.
“We appeal to anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact the investigating officer detective Constable Bouvrie on 081 046 3162/ 081 418 1264 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.”
THE MERCURY