LIMPOPO – Police in Tinmyne, outside Mokopane have arrested a 25-year-old man for car hijacking and rape through the assistance of the Bakenburg Community.
The police in Limpopo have commended the community for arresting the suspect and handing him over to the police without harming or killing him.
“This is how members of the community should deal with criminals. We encourage all citizens of Limpopo to stop mob attacks and killings and to follow the example made by the Bakenburg Community,” said police spokesperson, Lt Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe.
It is alleged a 50-year-old woman left her car parked in front of a cafe in the Mokopane CBD.
“Upon her return, she found two unknown men inside her car: one seated in the passenger seat and the other in the backseat. The men threatened the woman and ordered her to drive out of town to a certain point in the bushes near Bakenberg where they gang-raped her,” Ngoepe explained.
The men then drove with the woman throughout the night until the vehicle ran out of fuel and stopped.
The community became suspicious of the car, mobilised and arrested the suspect, saving the victim in the process. This happened after one suspect went out to purchase fuel and one remained behind with the victim.
“A manhunt has been launched for the second suspect and the arrested suspect will appear before Mahwelereng Magistrate’s Court soon,” he said.
Ngoepe concluded by commending the community.
“Bravo to all the peace loving people of Bakenburg,” he said.