Durban - A former prostitute described to the Pietermaritzburg Regional Court on Wednesday how she was raped twice, stabbed in the palm of her right hand and her collar bone, and made to plead for her life in a gum tree plantation in Hilton two years ago.
Policeman Riaan van Rensburg, 45, has pleaded not guilty to charges of rape, kidnapping, attempted murder and aggravated robbery.
He said he and the 31-year-old woman had consensual sexual intercourse.
The smartly dressed woman wanted to give evidence in camera, saying she had married and while her husband was aware of her past, she did not want her in-laws to find out.
The magistrate turned down the application.
She said on June 14, near Spar in Mayor’s Walk, Pietermaritzburg, at about 10am, Van Rensburg stopped her and they spoke. She gave him her cell number and he called four hours later.
Van Rensburg fetched her from her flat and drove to the freeway. He then drove past the Hilton park, towards a gum tree plantation.
When she asked where they were going, he said not to “ask nonsense”, pulled out a gun and pointed it at her. The woman said she was frightened and tried to open the door, but it was locked.
When he stopped the vehicle, he got out and opened her door.
She said he told her to undress and raped her. A short while later, he raped her again.
She then got dressed.
Van Rensburg got a backpack from the bakkie and took out plastic gloves, which he put on. He got out a small silver knife and walked to the front of the vehicle and cut the registration plate.
When she saw him walk to cut the back plate, she ran.
He followed and grabbed her. Holding the knife, he aimed it at her neck.
“I was crying and pleaded with him not to kill me.
“He told me to close my eyes and pray.”
Van Rensburg then tried to stab her and she used her hands to shield herself. She was injured on her right palm and collar bone.
The woman managed to get hold of the knife and threw it behind Van Rensburg, who ran to search for it.
She said she ran again and he gave chase but fell.
The woman eventually reached a gravel road and got help from an elderly couple who help her to contact the police.
The case continues on Thursday.
The Mercury