A suspect arrested in connection with the rape and kidnapping of a 10-year-old girl at the weekend in George in the Western Cape, has made a brief appearance in court.

Police spokesperson Chris Spies says the 42-year-old was arrested on Sunday, after allegedly kidnapping two girls the day before.

He asked them to accompany him to a shop but instead led them to an open field.

One of the girls escaped and alerted the police.

A search by police and community members led them to the suspect and the girl.

She was taken to hospital for treatment.

The suspect will appear in court again on June 5th for bail application.