Kidnapping and rape cases against foreign nationals, postponed
A manhunt for the remaining three men, involved in the case, is still underway.
LIMPOPO – Two men, aged 32 and 39, appeared in the Giyani Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 25 January, facing charges of kidnapping and rape.
The duo are part of a group of five men who were involved in the kidnapping and rape incident of a 22-year-old foreign national women on Thursday, 21 January.
According to a statement by Police Spokesperson, Col Moatshe Ngoepe, the woman is employed at her cousin’s restaurant and asked a customer to take her home to Section Two in Giyani.
“On their way home, they were blocked by a bakkie and a Mercedes Benz vehicle. Three men got out of the vehicle and one fired shots and pointed the driver (the customer) with a firearm,” Ngoepe explained.
He said the woman was then forced into the Mercedes.
“Police were informed and a manhunt ensued. The woman was later handed over to the two men from the bakkie, who drove from Giyani to Phalaborwa, where they rented two separate rooms at a lodge. The 32-year-old man locked himself in the room with the woman and repeatedly raped her,” Ngoepe added.
Police investigations and the manhunt led police to a lodge on the morning of 22 January where the woman was found with the duo and they were arrested.
The duo were denied bail and their cases postponed to 1 February for a formal bail application and further police investigation.
“A manhunt for the remaining three men is still underway. Anyone with information that can lead to their apprehension, may contact Det Serg Een Mabasa at 076 858 0003 or 063 452 0000. Alternatively, they can contact the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or their nearest police station,” Ngoepe concluded.
