23-Year-Old Arrested for Alleged Rape of Teenager in Cofimvaba.

COFIMVABA – A 23-year-old suspect was arrested by Cofimvaba police during the early hours of Tuesday, 20 October 2026, following allegations of raping a 16-year-old teenager.

According to Eastern Cape police, the alleged incident occurred on Saturday, 17 October, at approximately 12:15, while the teenager was playing ball with a five-year-old child near a local shop.

The ball reportedly landed in the business yard, where the suspect, who worked as a shopkeeper, picked it up. He allegedly invited the children into the shop and offered them chips and a drink.

Police said the suspect allegedly made romantic advances towards the teenager before taking her to a secluded area, where he allegedly raped her.

The suspect allegedly gave the teenager R10 to remain silent about the incident.

The teenager, who police described as having a mental disability, reported the incident to her older sister, who lodged a complaint with police.

The suspect was subsequently arrested and is expected to appear in court soon.

District Commissioner Major General Rudolph Adolph condemned the abuse of vulnerable people and expressed hope that justice would be served.