Urgent manhunt launched for suspects in the rape of three minors in Limpopo

Police in Limpopo have launched a manhunt for two suspects after three minors were raped in the bushes near Khujwana Village on Saturday. 

The incident took place at about 11pm. 

According to police, it is reported that a 54-year-old woman was contacted on Sunday, August 9, at about 3.45am by a petrol attendant on duty. The woman is the mother of the three girls, aged between 14 and 17.  

The provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, said the petrol attendant informed the mother about the attack on her daughters.

“He allegedly told her that her three daughters were at the garage and needed police assistance after allegedly being dropped off by a vehicle following a sexual assault. Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims, who are residents of Lephepane Village, were approached by two unknown male suspects driving a red Toyota Corolla motor vehicle with an unknown registration number,” Ledwaba said. 

“The duo allegedly lured the victims by asking them to accompany them to a tavern to buy food. While on the way, the vehicle was driven to a secluded bush area in Khujwana village, where the trio was allegedly forcefully undressed and raped by both male suspects before being dropped off on the road next to the filling station,” Ledwaba said. 

Police are investigating three rape cases. 

Limpopo Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Jan Scheepers condemned the incident involving the three minor victims. 

“Gender-based violence has no place in our society. Our Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit has activated all resources to trace and arrest the perpetrators. We urge the community to come forward with any information that may assist the police in apprehending the suspects,” Scheepers said. 

Police urge anyone with information that can assist the investigation to contact the investigating officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Isaac Mahlane, at 082 469 2625, or Crime Stop at 08600 10111, or to visit their nearest police station. Alternatively, anyone with information can share it via the  MySAPS mobile application. 

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