A shocking case of abuse has come to light in Cape Town. Police arrested a 37-year-old man for raping a 15-year-old girl he allegedly forced into marriage. This happened after the girl escaped and reported the crimes. The Hawks led the arrest, showing quick action against such horrors.

The Deception Begins

The girl arrived in South Africa alone in March 2025. She traveled from Johannesburg to Cape Town with the man. He tricked her with promises of education. Instead, he forced her into marriage soon after they got to Cape Town.

Hawks spokesperson Zinzi Hani explained the details. "The girl was apparently deceived under the pretence that she was relocating to South Africa in order to study," Hani said.

Months of Abuse

Life turned nightmarish after the forced marriage. The man demanded sex from the girl. When she refused, he assaulted and raped her. This went on for seven months. It's a stark reminder of the dangers young people face when tricked into such situations.

"After marriage, she was expected to engage in sexual intercourse with the man, and when she refused, she was physically assaulted and raped over the course of seven months," Hani stated.

The Brave Escape

In November 2025, the girl broke free. She stayed with a family friend in Cape Town for three weeks. But the man learned where she was. Fearing for her safety, she hitchhiked to George to see her brother-in-law.

Once there, she went straight to a police station and reported everything. Her courage sparked the investigation that led to justice

Swift Police Action

The case moved to the Hawks for deeper probing. They placed the girl in a safe spot in Cape Town right away. An intensive hunt followed, ending with the man's arrest on January 22, 2026.

He now faces charges of trafficking in persons for the forced marriage and rape. He'll appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court on January 26, 2026.

"The matter was then referred to the Hawks for further probing. After the Hawks received information concerning this incident, the minor was immediately moved to a place of safety in Cape Town. Intensive investigation led to the arrest of the suspect," Hani added.

Cases like this underline the need for vigilance. South Africans must watch out for signs of trafficking and abuse in their communities. Reporting suspicious acts can save lives. The Hawks' work here shows law enforcement's commitment to protecting the vulnerable.