By Staff Reporter
RUNNYMEDE– A 24-year-old male suspect appeared before Ritavi Magistrate’s Court on a charge of rape after a 17-year-old girl from Runnymede village was allegedly raped on Saturday, 19 July 2025.
According to the information, a 17-year-old female victim was from a local tuckshop when she met the alleged suspect who took her by force to his residential place.
While on her way, the suspect allegedly pulled out a knife and threatened to stab her if she screamed.
Reports suggest that on their arrival at the place, the suspect raped the victim and later escorted her to her place of residence, where she informed her mother about the ordeal. Immediately, the matter was reported to the Letsitele police station.
Tzaneen Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) were notified, and a successful manhunt was activated, resulting in the apprehension of the alleged suspect.
The suspect Edmond Innocent Baloyi 24 appeared before the Ritavi Magistrate’s Court today, Monday 21 July 2025, his case was postponed to 29 July 2025 for a formal bail application
