The Provincial Commissioner of police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has hailed the swift arrest of a 35-year-old suspect involved in the rape of two girls aged 13 and 17 which resulted in the tragic death of one and severe injury of the other.
The incident occurred on Sunday night, 21 July 2024 at Ga-Mokaba village in Mahwelereng policing precinct.
According to the information, the two friends hitchhicked an unknown motor vehicle with one occupant at Moshate Cross at approximately 19pm. The driver dropped them off next to Tshamahansi taxi rank and drove off. Surprisingly, the same driver returned and stopped next to them, but this time, he produced a sharp object and forced duo into the vehicle.
The suspect took the victims to the nearby bushes, and upon arrival, he started by raping the 13-year-old and thereafter strangled her. The perpetrator continued to rape the 17-year-old girl and stabbed her with a sharp object multiple times before fleeing from the scene.
The 17 year victim who was severely injured managed to walk to the nearby village where she was assisted by the community.
The suspect, is reportedly a repeated sex offender, and he was apprehended on Tuesday, 23 July subsequent, to a well-planned tactical operation.The motor vehicle used in the commission of the crime was confiscated during the arrest.
“The quick response and coordinated efforts of this team of members led to the arrest of the suspect within a short space of time, showcasing the dedication and commitment of our officers to bringing justice to the victims and their families,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe
The Provincial Commissioner also acknowledged the crucial role of the community and various stakeholders in providing information that led to the swift arrest.
The suspect is expected to appear before Mahwelereng Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 25 July 2024, to face charges of two counts of rape, murder and assaulted GBH.
Police investigations are still continuing.
