Authorities in Grangetown, KwaZulu-Natal, are actively seeking a suspect involved in a distressing incident on New Year’s Day (01/01/2024). The victim, a man who flagged down a member of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) at the intersection of Russom and Todd Street around 15:46 on Wednesday, reported that he had been forcefully subjected to oral sex.

According to the victim’s account, he was walking home in a thunderstorm from Verulam CBD to Everest Heights on Monday when a silver Renault Triber driver offered him a ride. Despite accepting the offer, the victim grew suspicious as the driver deviated from the route, eventually stopping near a school ground in Grangetown. It was at this point that the driver allegedly brandished a firearm and demanded the victim to unzip his pants.

The victim revealed that he was then subjected to sexual assault, with the perpetrator also chastising him for not responding quickly enough. Following the disturbing encounter, the suspect dropped the victim off at his residence.

The victim promptly reported the incident to the Verulam South African Police Services (SAPS) and later identified the suspect driving on Russom Street after leaving the police station. Seeking assistance, he flagged down a passing Reaction Officer, providing them with the case number registered with SAPS (see picture 2).

Despite efforts to locate the suspect, no arrests have been made thus far. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident or the suspect to come forward and assist in their investigation.