LIMPOPO – A man has been arrested while his accomplices are still on the run following the gang rape of and 11-year-old school girl from Namakgale outside Phalaborwa.
The young victim was attacked by three men, one known to her, on Wednesday (July 28) while walking home from school at around 15:00. According to reports the three men, had met her along the road and dragged her to a nearby graveyard where they assaulted her and took turns to rape her.
“It is alleged the victim arrived home that afternoon with visible injuries and crying. She informed her mother that she had been raped.
“The matter was reported to the police and a case of rape of opened and was transferred to the Phalaborwa Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit,” said police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo in a statement on Saturday.
Mojapelo explained that initial investigations were conducted and search operation for the suspect was activated.
The 29-year-old man was arrested at his house in in Majeje village on Friday (July 30). He is expected to appear in the Namakgale Magistrate’s Court on Monday (August 2).
A manhunt for the remaining two suspects continues.
“Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of these remaining suspects should contact Capt Matsobane Lekalakala on 0713550568, the 24-hour Crime Stop number on 086 001 0111or their nearest police station.”
Meanwhile in Senwabarwana a manhunt for the suspect(s) responsible for the murder of 23-year-old Thapelo Sabatha continues.
Read more: Police investigates brutal assault, murder of young woman
Sabatha was severely assaulted and left to die on the road next to Helen Franz Hospital. She succumbed to her injuries.
Anyone with information can contact WO Manaka on 082 414 6634.
