The alleged rapist whose name is not yet known, was brutally hit with rocks consistently until he died in an estate in the north of Durban, the country’s third-biggest city.

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Police say they have already initiated investigations into both incidents; the stoning and the rape allegations.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Zwane Thulani, from the South African Police Service (SAPS), “A case of murder is being investigated by Sydenham SAPS.

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“It is alleged on October 23 at 1.30pm, an unknown man believed to be in his 40s was assaulted to death by community members after he was caught raping a six-year-old girl.

“A case of rape was also opened for investigation.”