NORTH West police have raised their concern about the increasing number of rape cases in the province. This was after 10 rape cases were reported at police stations over the past few days.

In the latest reports a 38-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly raping a 74-year-old woman from Lotlhakane village in Mahikeng.

The incident took place on Monday. It is alleged that the suspect, who is known to the victim, stormed into the house and hit the woman with a stick before raping her.

Police spokesman Thulane Ngubane said the man was arrested and was expected to appear in court yesterday.

Premier Thandi Modise has called for concerted action to help combat the increase in rapes in the province.

Modise said the partnership between the police, crime prevention structures, churches, faith-based organisations, women's organisations, non-governmental organisations and other civil society groups needed to be strengthened.

Several incidents of rape have been reported in the province recently and police have said they were worried.

In another incident, Kanana police have arrested a 38-year-old man on a charge of rape.

It is alleged that the victim was asleep when the suspect forced the door open and gained entry. The suspect allegedly climbed on top of the bed and raped her. He was arrested.

Still in Kanana, police are looking for a man who allegedly raped a 20-year old woman on Monday.

The suspect is still at large and the police are investigating a case of rape.

At Ipelegeng t ownship outside Sweizer-Reneke, a traditional healer was arrested after he allegedly raped his trainee. It is reported that eight students (trainees) went with their traditional healer to the mountain for training.

He separated them into two groups and instructed them to go their separate ways. The man paired himself with the victim and allegedly raped her.

The suspect was arrested on Sunday. - tshehleb@sowetan.co.za