Police in Limpopo have launched intensive investigations into two separate sexual assault cases involving the rape of an 88-year-old woman in Namakgale and the gang rape of a 16-year-old girl in Musina.
The separate cases are being investigated by members of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Units in Phalaborwa and Musina, which occurred on May 30 and 31, in the Namakgale and Musina policing precincts.
The provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, confirmed one suspect has since been arrested.
“In the first incident, a 43-year-old man was arrested following the alleged rape of an 88-year-old woman at Majeje C Village in Namakgale during the early hours of Sunday, May 31, 2026,” Ledwaba said.
According to preliminary information, the elderly woman was asleep in her home when the suspect allegedly forced open the door, threatened her, and raped her before fleeing the scene.
“The victim subsequently sought assistance from neighbours and reported the matter to the police. She was taken to the hospital for medical examination,” Ledwaba said.
The suspect was traced and arrested. He is expected to appear in the Lulekani Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, June 2, on a charge of rape.
These incidents occur amid ongoing national concerns over the high rates of sexual offences and gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa.
In a separate incident reported in Musina, police launched a manhunt for three suspects following the alleged gang rape of a 16-year-old girl at one of the Musina Extensions.
“It is alleged that the victim attended a social gathering on Saturday, May 30, 2026, and later accompanied a friend to a room where she fell asleep. She reportedly awoke to find three men in the room, and her friend was not there, two of whom are known to her. The suspects allegedly assaulted and raped her before fleeing when her friend returned to the room. A case of rape has been opened, and members of the FCS Unit have intensified investigations to arrest the involved suspects,” Ledwaba said.
The Limpopo Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, strongly condemned the incidents.
“We remain resolute in protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities, will ensure that all the perpetrators involved are behind bars,” Hadebe said.
Police investigations into both cases continue.
IOL
Robin-Lee Francke
iol.co.za
