MAKHADO (LOUIS TRICHARDT) – A 38-year-old municipal traffic officer appeared here in court on a charge of raping a 28-year-old domestic worker.

The suspect was not asked to plead and bail was fixed at R1 000. He paid the bail and his case was postponed until June 15.

The alleged rape took place at residential premises in the old Road Camp, where both the suspect and the victim were accommodated in separate rooms. The victim is a domestic worker on the premises and the traffic officer took up lodgings in an outside room.

According to a police statement, the suspect allegedly arrived in an official vehicle at these premises just before 09:00 on Monday, May 31. The victim came out of the house where she was busy performing her tasks. They greeted each other and he went into his room. A few minutes later he allegedly came out of his room, grabbed the victim and forced her to his room, whilst closing her mouth with his hand, to prevent her from screaming. He allegedly locked the door of the room, undressed and raped her.

A rape case was opened and the suspect was arrested. He appeared in court on Tuesday.

The Director of Community Services of the Makhado Municipality, Mr Mavungu Musitha, was asked what action the municipality was taking with regard to the alleged incident and whether the traffic official has been temporarily suspended from duties. He said the matter was receiving serious attention.

"We are looking into the matter. It is being discussed on management level and we will also contact our legal adviser to decide on appropriate action," he said.