‘No bail’ for accused in TVET student kidnapping case

LIMPOPO – The two men accused of kidnapping and attempting to murder a TVET student, re-appeared in the Dzanani Magistrate’s Court on July 8.

The suspects, aged 25 and 27, of which one is the victim’s former partner, are said to have gone to her rented room at Makwarela Location on June 27. They forced her into the boot of their vehicle and drove off to Mphaila village.

They stopped in the bushes where the girl was apparently raped by her former partner, and stabbed with a sharp object. The men then carried the unconscious woman into nearby bushes, but a resident who witnessed this alerted the community who then apprehended the two men.

One managed to escape while the other was trapped in the vehicle, which angry residents then set on fire. He was saved from the hands of the community when the police arrived.

The man was arrested and admitted at Siloam Hospital under police guard.

The second suspect was arrested on June 29 after he handed himself over to the police. He faces an additional charge of rape.

Their case had been postponed to July 15 for bail application.

Outside the court protesters, gathered shouting and chanting for the accused men to not be granted bail.

June 30

LIMPOPO – The second suspect in the kidnapping of female college student was arrested on Tuesday, June 29 after he handed himself over to the police.

The man was sought in connection with the kidnapping, rape and brutal assault of a 21-year-old student from Vhembe TVET College. The woman was reportedly kidnapped from her rented room at Makwarela Location, Thohoyandou on Sunday, June 27. During the ordeal she was raped and thereafter brutally assaulted until she lost consciousness.

Police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapleo says both accused, aged 25 and 28, will today appear in Dzanani Magistrate’s Court on charges of kidnapping and attempted murder. “The 25-year-old suspect, who is alleged to be the victim’s ex-boyfriend, will face an additional charge of rape,” he concluded.

June 29

LIMPOPO – The police in Siloam outside Thohoyandou are investigating cases of kidnapping, rape and attempted murder following the kidnapping of a female student from Vhembe TVET College.

The 21-year-old woman was reportedly taken from her rental room at Makwarela Location, Thohoyandou on Sunday, June 27.

According to a statement issued by police spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo it is alleged that two men, one believed to be her ex-boyfriend, arrived at the room and forced her into the boot of their vehicle and drove off.

Police reports indicate that the duo drove to the outskirts of Mphaila village within the Siloam policing area and stopped in the bushes. Mojapelo said it is alleged the victim was firstly raped by one suspect whereafter both men used sharp objects to hack at her body until she lost consciousness. “Apparently thinking that she was dead, they then picked her up and carried to the bushes with the aim of dumping her body. A local resident spotted them carry the seemingly unconscious woman and alerted the community.”

The community reacted and accosted the suspects. One suspect was caught, while the other managed to escape.

Read more: Men that prey on off-campus Univen and TVET students, granted bail

The caught suspect was beaten and had to be rescued by the police. “He was arrested and taken to a local hospital for medical treatment where he is being held under police guard,” he added.

The badly injured woman was transported to a local hospital where she is still recovering, Mojapelo said.

The suspect is still on the run and the police appeals to anyone with information that can lead to his apprehension to contact Det Sgt Thabelo Victor Ndou on 071 401 3203 or 015 973 5202. Alternatively they can also contact the 24-hour crime stop number on 086 001 0111.

Provincial Police Commissioner Lt Genl Thembi Hadebe has strongly condemned this incident and has ordered the speedy arrest of the remaining suspect. Police investigations still continue.