By Augustine Ehikioya
For jumping bail in South Africa, a court has issued a warrant of arrest for a rape suspect, Simnikiwe Jimi.
He was accused of raping a 34 year old woman in Walmer.
The warrant of arrest was issued after the suspect failed to attend court in Gqeberha on 15th September, 2020.
A statement by Col Priscilla Naidu of the South African Police Service, Office of the Provincial Commissioner Eastern Cape, and made available on Monday to Security Watch Africa (SWA), said “A warrant of arrest has been issued for an alleged rape accused who has failed to honour his last court appearance and has since been missing from his home in Walmer location.
“It is alleged that in May 2019, Simnikiwe Jimi (27) was released on R500 bail for the alleged rape of a 34 year old woman in Walmer.
“On 15 September, 2020, he failed to attend court in Gqeberha. It is further alleged that in April 2019, the accused, the complainant and friends were drinking at a house in Walmer Links.
“At about 23:00pm, all left on foot to return home. At some point, the accused sent the others home and offered to walk with the victim. While walking, the victim was tripped by the accused and when she fell, he allegedly raped her.
“The accused was arrested in April 2019 and in May 2019 he was granted bail.
“According to information received, the accused may be in the Quigney area in East London,” it said.
Police, the statement said, is appealing to the community to assist in tracing Jimi.
“Anyone who may know of his whereabouts is asked to contact the Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit in Gqeberha, D/Const Xolisa Khedame on 073 307 9752or Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or the nearest police station,” the statement said.