Mhlaba Memela

Mhlaba Memela

Police in Newcastle have warned people not to park in deserted and unlit streets at night.

A 39-year-old woman was abducted and raped at the weekend.

She and her friend had parked their car in the Ncandu suburb at night were sitting in the car when they were approached by a man who asked them for money.

They gave him R5 and he left but returned and, at gunpoint, demanded that they drive him to Madadeni township.

Police spokesman Captain Shooz Magudulela said: "When they arrived at the township the gunman locked the driver in the boot and raped the woman."

Magudulela urged locals not to walk alone at night in places where lighting is inadequate.

Meanwhile, police have launched a manhunt for four men who stormed a Newcastle petrol station at the weekend . The garage owner was held at gunpoint and the men escaped with a cellphone and about R5000.

Police urged anyone with information to contact Senior Superintendent David Khawula on 034-314-6193.