Concurrently with the commencement of this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign two persons, Lesiba Molokomme (31) and an 18-year-old boy suspected of the the kidnapping and rape of a female educator in the Marken area on Friday, appeared before the Phalala Magistrate Court on Monday and are expected back in court in December.
Provincial Police Spokesperson Moatshe Ngoepe indicated that the duo were remanded in custody and are expected to apply for bail during their next appearance.
They are charged with common robbery, kidnapping, theft of a motor vehicle and rape, according to Ngoepe. They were arrested during an intelligence-driven joint operation conducted in the Lephalale Cluster on Sunday.
Police had since Friday morning followed all possible links until they tracked them down individually at two separate areas outside Lephalale. He further indicated that one of the suspects was found in possession the educator’s car keys. The vehicle was later found abandoned outside Marken.
The arrest emanated from an incident that occurred outside Marken when two suspects reportedly broke into the rented home of an 28-year-old educator employed at a nearby high school while she was asleep. They allegedly tied her up, loaded her inside the boot of her car and drove away, according to Ngoepe who added that the suspects had allegedly taken turns to rape her.
It is not clear how the Police was informed about the incident but immediate response led to the educator being found dumped in the bush along the Bakenburg road outside Mokopane. She was immediately taken to hospital for medical treatment.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the two suspects are reportedly known to the victim as she apparently taught them at school and resided in the same village. Investigations continue.
Democratic Alliance Women’s Network (Dawn) Limpopo Chairperson Desiree van der Walt condemned the incident. “It is extremely sad and concerning that such a heinous and violent crime takes place right at the start of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV).
This incident further speaks of the vulnerability of women in our society as some of the suspects are said to be former students of the teacher. We as a country have a responsibility to care for and protect our most vulnerable members of society from GBV, sexual offences and also rid our societies of toxic masculinities that endanger women,” a press release issued by the network quoted Van der Walt to have said.
Story: RC Myburgh
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