Two women robbed at gunpoint, raped in open veld

Bekkersdal Police launched a manhunt for two suspects in connection with the rape of two women in Simunye, Bekkersdal.

• Also read: Police IDs suspect for teen’s rape

Bekkersdal Police spokesperson Sergeant Linkie Lefakane said the women were walking from Simunye to Waterpan at about 18:30 on Friday, February 24 when the incident occurred.

“The pair was allegedly walking with a male friend when they came across an unknown male wearing a balaclava. He walked past, greeted them, and immediately made a turn. He then pointed a firearm at them and started demanding cash and cellphones. It was during this time that he then grabbed one female victim and made a sound that alerted another male who joined in.

He then proceeded to give the other male a firearm to stand guard and walked deeper into the veld with the victim and continued to rape her,” said Lefakane, who added that the male friend was present at the time and was also held at gunpoint.

According to Lefakane, the suspect then returned and took the firearm from the friend and proceeded to stand guard, while the friend also took the other female victim to the veld where she too was allegedly raped.

• Also read: Man wanted in rape of teen

“The community is urged to be more careful and avoid walking along open spaces, especially during the night. They must always remember that predators are waiting to prey, therefore let us not wait until someone is raped, robbed, hijacked, or even killed. Let us be vigilant and resort to using more safer ways to and from places, to lessen these kinds of incidents,” added Lefakane.

Anyone who might have information regarding both his case is asked to contact the Carletonville FCS group on 082 778 9048 alternatively contact Bekkersdal SAPS on 011 755 8040/8069 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or send an anonymous tip-off on using mySAPS app.

• Also read: Alleged rapist wanted by police