King William's Town – A 35-year-man has been arrested, after he fell asleep, for allegedly raping a 21-year-old woman, Eastern Cape police said.
It was alleged that the victim and the suspect were in a tavern on Thursday at Mzantsi location, Rwantsana village, Centane, Captain Jackson Manatha said.
"The victim decided to go home at about [10pm] on the night in question. The suspect pretended to be a good samaritan as he volunteered to accompany the victim.
"Once the two arrived at the home of the victim the suspect is alleged to [have] overpowered the victim and raped her. The victim noticed that the suspect was fast asleep and snoring on January 20 at about 2am. She escaped through the door and alerted the local community about the alleged rape.
"Members of the community came and tied him [up]. Police were informed; they rushed to the scene of crime where they found the suspect. Community members did not assault the suspect," Manatha said.
Butterworth police cluster commander Brigadier Trevor Mey thanked the community for their assistance. The members of the community were the "ears and eyes of the police".
They should always support the police in their fight against crime, he said. The man had been charged with rape and would appear in the Centane Magistrate's Court on Monday, Manatha said.