Welkom, South Africa – The Free State Provincial Commissioner has issued a strong warning to women following two alarming incidents of kidnapping and rape. In one case, a 19-year-old college student was kidnapped and raped by a man who lured her into his car under false pretenses.

According to South Africa Police Service, The student was approached on Christoliet Street, Jan Cillierspark, by a man driving a grey Mazda 3. The suspect, described as slender, tall, light-skinned, with a missing front tooth and a chest scar, claimed his child was missing and needed the student’s help. After convincing her to enter the vehicle, he drove her near Masimong mine, raped her, and provided R50 for her taxi fare home.

In another incident on November 9, 2023, a girl accepted a lift from a white Mahindra bakkie in Jan Cillierspark. During the journey, the driver assaulted her, but she managed to escape upon reaching her residence. The case is currently under investigation for rape.

The Commissioner urges girls to avoid entering vehicles driven by strangers and to scream for help if feeling threatened. The public is encouraged to come forward with any information by contacting Detective Sergeant Lehlohonolo Fonya of Welkom FCS Unit at 071 679 0988 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.