The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lt Gen Simon Mpembe has expressed his shock and dismay following two incidents in the province where women were allegedly raped by six suspects. The incidents took place at Seshego and Mara.
The incident at Seshego took place on Friday evening, 6 July. A 30year old woman went to an outside toilet. When she returned, two suspects were waiting for her. They assaulted her and demanded money. It is alleged that they then took her to a nearby open field were they raped her. It is further alleged that they called four friends to also rape the woman.
The suspects fled after taking R1 000 from the room of the victim. Four suspects were arrested and appeared in court on Monday 23 July and the case was remanded to Thursday, July 26. The search for the other suspects is continuing. The suspects are: Daniel Ledwaba (19), Jack Ramapheke (20), Jonathan Shai (19) and a 17 year old boy.
At Mara, a 20 year old woman and friends were visiting a tavern on Sunday, July 15 when she was forcefully taken after a suspect threatened her with a knife. Her friends called the Police for assistance and they traced the woman and the suspects to an abandoned two room house near the tavern.
The woman had allegedly been raped several times and six suspects, aged between 18 and 25, were arrested. They will appear in the Dendron Magistrates’ Court this morning (Wednesday) on charges of rape. The suspects are: Lerato Montso (18), William Thenga (18), Leshaba Mati (19), Jafta Seeta (18), Moses Mafanato (21), Steven Chererana (25), all from Indermark.
The Provincial Commissioner expressed his outrage over the blatant disregard of the dignity and rights of the victims. “These criminals must not for one second think they will get away with these types of deplorable crimes” he said. He stressed that the Police will hunt them down and works hand in hand with the Justice Department to ensure that they are handed the harshest possible sentences to keep them of society for a very long time.
Enquiries:
Ronel Otto
Tel: 015 230 1004
Cell: 082 451 7176
Mohlaka Mashiane
Cell: 082 729 0169
Incidents of gang rape condemned
