WATERBERG | Authorities in Hoopdal, located in the Waterberg District, have taken a 39-year-old man into custody regarding accusations of kidnapping and rape involving a woman and her 10-year-old niece.
According to law enforcement officials, the suspect’s arrest occurred after they received a tip-off on Monday, 11 May 2026.
Reports indicate that on Saturday, 09 May 2026, the man confronted his former girlfriend, aged 37, and her young niece while they were on their way home from her job.
The suspect allegedly issued threats to the two before restraining them to separate trees, positioned a short distance apart.
The young girl was able to break free and seek assistance from Skierlik Village, returning uninjured.
The adult victim reportedly escaped the following day, Sunday, 10 May 2026, after the suspect left her alone.
Following leads on the suspect’s location, a coordinated effort was initiated by a team that included members of Hoopdal Visible Policing, detectives, Hoopdal Rural Safety, and Mayunga Protection Services.
The suspect was eventually located at a farm, where he was allegedly discovered sleeping inside a structure.
Initial investigations have also suggested that the 37-year-old woman was raped during the incident.
The case has now been referred to the Thabazimbi Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) for further inquiry.
He is scheduled to appear in the Thabazimbi Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 13 May 2026.
Investigations by police are ongoing.
