Police in the Waterberg District have arrested a 39-year-old man in connection with the kidnapping and rape of his ex-girlfriend and her 10-year-old niece. The arrest took place on Monday following a coordinated operation in the Hoopdal area.
The incident reportedly began on the afternoon of May 9, 2026. According to police reports, the suspect intercepted his 37-year-old ex-girlfriend and the young child as they were walking home from the woman’s workplace.
Limpopo Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba detailed the harrowing nature of the encounter. “The suspect allegedly threatened the victims and tied them to separate trees a few metres apart from each other,” Ledwaba said.
The 10-year-old girl managed to free herself and fled to Skierlik Village to raise the alarm. Her aunt remained in captivity until Sunday, 10 May, when she was able to escape after being left unattended. Authorities have since confirmed that “preliminary investigations further revealed that the suspect allegedly raped the 37-year-old victim.”
The apprehension of the suspect was the result of a rapid joint response involving Hoopdal Visible Policing, Detectives, Hoopdal Rural Safety, and Mayunga Protection Services. Acting on a tip-off, teams tracked the suspect to a local farm.
“Members attached to Hoopdal Visible Policing, Detectives, Hoopdal Rural Safety, and Mayunga Protection Services swiftly operationalised and traced the suspect to a Farm, where he was found sleeping inside a dwelling,” Ledwaba noted.
Following the arrest, the case has been handed over to the Thabazimbi Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) for specialised investigation.
The suspect is facing two counts of kidnapping and charges of rape. He is scheduled to make his first appearance before the Thabazimbi Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
Karabo Ngoepe
iol.co.za
