The police in Limpopo commemorated the International Mandela Day by bringing justice to children. The Mankweng policing precinct has been in the spotlight of late with several rape cases being reported and the police decided to dedicate their 67 minutes tracing rape suspects and conduct door to door campaigns in the area.
It took longer than 67 minutes but police made a major breakthrough when they arrested five rapists, one of them being a 46 year old father who repeatedly raped his 13 year old daughter at Nobody village. The father had been in the dock before for arson, domestic violence, malicious damage to property and traffic offences. In the spirit of giving, the police gave the 13 year old victim a fully furnished new double bed. Another 7 year old victim was also showered with gifts at Ga-Maboi village, Ga-Mojapelo on Mandela Day. A 17 year old minor is in custody for the rape of the 7 year old girl.
Another seven rapists were busted in and around Polokwane, stretching the total number of rapists arrested to 12. During a sting operation a well-known tavern, which operated adjacent to the Mankweng police station, was left empty when liquor was confiscated following the owner’s failure to comply with the Liquor Act.
One hundred and fifty four suspects were arrested for cases varying from theft of motor vehicle, possession of dagga, malicious damage to property, assault with grievous bodily harm and theft.
The Operations Officer at SAPS Limpopo Major General Lesiba Mashilo, who led the operations, said he was pleased with the police having contributed positively in the society during Mandela Day. He said arresting perpetrators always augers well with victims and vowed that the police will continue prioritising victims and hunt down criminals.
“Arresting twelve rapists at a go is no cheap feat, we will do all in our powers to oppose bail and ensure that they are convicted and only a maximum jail sentence will put smiles on our faces and wipe victims’ tears”, Mashilo said.
The Limpopo police will continue with their robust operations around the province for the remainder of the July month, with rapists being their main target.
For enquiries please contact:
Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi
Cell: 082 373 2408
Police bring justice on Mandela day
