Thohoyandou police hunt man after mentally challenged woman kidnapped and raped

The police in Thohoyandou, under Vhembe District, Polokwane, are investigating a kidnapping and rape case involving a 31-year-old mentally challenged woman at Shayandima location on Saturday, January 24, 2026.

According to reports, the 56-year-old mother of the victim allegedly left her daughter at home while she went to purchase food at a local supermarket. When she returned, her daughter was missing. She began searching for her before going to the police station to open a missing person file.

On Monday, January 26, the mother was informed by a relative that her daughter had been found and was at Tshilidzini Hospital. She rushed to the facility and found her missing daughter, who told her she had left home because she didn’t want to take medication and had gone to Thavhani Mall.

The victim met an unknown male suspect who took her to an unknown house at Shayandima location, where she was violated.

The suspect kept the victim from Saturday, around 10pm, until she was released on Monday.

Due to her condition, the victim is unable to identify the exact house where she was held during the assault.

A manhunt for the suspect is ongoing. Police have urged anyone with information that could assist to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Lufuno Matsembe, on 082 061 6600, Crime Stop at 08600 10111, their nearest police station, or the MySAPS App.

Police investigations are continuing.