Police hunt for suspects after 14-year-old girl faces harrowing ordeal in Limpopo

Police in Limpopo are hunting three suspects after a 14-year-old girl was subjected to a day of horror, first allegedly raped by her boyfriend, only to be attacked again by two other men in a separate incident as she tried to make her way home.

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the incident occurred on September 5, after the 14-year-old did not return home from school. According to police, her boyfriend, a taxi driver from Shayandima, allegedly took her to his residence and raped her later that afternoon.

Ledwaba added that after the initial raped, the alleged boyfriend drove the victim for a while before forcing her out of the vehicle to walk home. As she made her way at around 18:30, another vehicle stopped, and she was dragged inside, where she was allegedly raped again.

“A blue Toyota Corolla with an unknown registration number stopped next to her. Two unknown African male suspects allegedly forced her into the vehicle, drove to an unknown location, and both raped her before releasing her.”

He added that, as it was already dark, the victim stayed overnight at a friend’s house and only returned home the following morning, Saturday, 6 September.

The victim later confided in her mother about the ordeal, and a case of rape with three counts was opened, which was transferred to the Thohoyandou FCS unit for further investigation. She was also taken to a local hospital to receive medical attention.

Ledwaba added that one of the suspects, the 20-year-old boyfriend of the victim, is known to authorities but currently at large, while the identities of the other two suspects remain unknown.

Police are urging anyone with information to contact the investigating officer, Constable Ratshili Shumani Colbert, at 082 227 9049, their nearest police station, the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111, or submit tips via the MySAPSApp.

Ledwaba added that investigations into the incident are ongoing, with authorities actively following leads and gathering evidence.

The Star

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