PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - With Women's Month in full swing, three men have been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting Bitou women over the past week.

The arrests formed part of concerted efforts by specialist detectives of the George Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual offences (FCS) unit to ensure that perpetrators of sex-related offences are brought to book.

Southern Cape police spokesperson Sgt Chris Spies said last week the FCS unit arrested a 52-year-old man after he was positively linked to an incident reported in Kranshoek on 24 July. 

Spies said the investigation revealed that the 26-year-old victim was walking along a gravel road in the area when she was allegedly approached by the suspect. It is believed that the man assaulted her before forcing himself upon her and raping her.

In another matter, Kwanokuthula police responded to an incident in Nyhakhatyha Street, Kwanokuthula at about 22:00 on 2 August. 

It is alleged that the victim, a 35-year-old woman, was on her way home when she was accosted by three men. "They allegedly took her to a house where two of them violated her.

"Both suspects, aged 26 and 28, were later arrested on charges of rape," Spies said.

Western Cape police management commended the teams for their efforts to bring these perpetrators to book, as well as those who will take part in planned activities during this month. 

Spies said gender-based violence remains a priority for police and all efforts are being made to eradicate this scourge in our vulnerable communities.

On a larger scale, five suspects have been arrested in the Garden Route District during recent operations in connection with sexual offences incidents that had been reported.

'We bring you the latest Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route news'