Thabong, Free State – A 34-year-old man wanted in connection with a rape case has been arrested in New Stands, Thabong, following a coordinated operation by the Welkom Public Order Police on Sunday, 22 June 2025.
Acting on a tip-off, officers located the suspect at a residential property where they were met with resistance. A 41-year-old man at the scene denied the suspect was present. During a search of the premises, police found a 29-year-old woman hiding in an outdoor toilet, who also insisted the suspect was not on site.
Persistent investigation led officers to a locked outside room, where the rape suspect was discovered and arrested without further incident.
The woman has since been charged with defeating the ends of justice, while the 41-year-old man was arrested for violating the Immigration Act. All three individuals are expected to appear in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court in the coming days.
Authorities have praised the public for the information that led to the arrest and reiterated the importance of community cooperation in addressing serious crimes.
This incident highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to ensure justice is served and the law upheld in cases of gender-based violence and criminal obstruction.
