2 men to appear in court for rape and robbery at student campus! Two men, aged 18 and 24, are expected to appear before the Kgapane Magistrate’s Court on Friday, facing multiple serious charges, including possession of suspected stolen property, four counts of rape, and business robbery. The charges stem from a violent attack at a student campus in Phaphadi village, located under the Bolobedu policing area in Limpopo.
Brutal Attack on Student Campus
The horrific incident took place on February 22 at around midnight, when an armed suspect entered a student residential area where female students from a local college reside.
Limpopo provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, confirmed that the attack was both violent and traumatizing.
“He grabbed eight of them at gunpoint, led four of them into a passage, and ultimately raped them. Afterward, he robbed them of their cellphones before fleeing the scene on foot,” said Mashaba.
Following the attack, the victims immediately reported the crime to local authorities, prompting an urgent police investigation.
Student campus
Police Launch Manhunt and Make Arrests
A joint operation was swiftly launched, involving the Mopani tracking team and the Tzaneen Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.
On Tuesday, law enforcement officers tracked down one of the suspects at Bellview village. The suspect was found in possession of one of the mobile phones stolen from the students during the attack.
“He was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for the possession of the cellphone and was arrested on the spot,” said Mashaba.
Further investigations led police to another address, where the second suspect was found. Upon searching his house, officers discovered multiple stolen cellphones and a bank card belonging to one of the victims, hidden under his bed.
“The second man was also arrested for possession of suspected stolen property. Both suspects are currently detained at Bolobedu police station in Limpopo,” Mashaba confirmed.
Recovered Stolen Property and Appeal to the Public
Police have positively identified the stolen mobile phones as belonging to the students who were robbed during the attack. However, authorities believe there may be additional victims whose property was also taken.
“Police are urging the community around the Bolobedu policing area who have lost or were robbed of their cellphones to come forward to identify them,” said Mashaba.
Anyone who recognizes their stolen property is encouraged to visit Bolobedu police station or contact the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Dalton Makhubela, at 082 414 6043 or 082 414 2953.
Police Commissioner Commends Investigating Team
Limpopo’s Provincial Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, praised the swift action of the investigating team, emphasizing the importance of bringing perpetrators of sexual violence and armed robbery to justice.
“The team has done a sterling job in ensuring that perpetrators of sexual violence are brought to book to face the full might of the law,” she said.
The case has sparked renewed concern about the safety of students living in off-campus residences, with calls for increased police patrols and security measures to prevent further attacks.
Growing Concern Over Sexual Violence in Limpopo
This case is just one of several recent shocking sexual violence cases in Limpopo.
Last month, a 60-year-old man was sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape and prolonged abuse of his stepdaughter. The harrowing trial at the Groblersdal Regional Court revealed that the abuse began in 2001 when the victim was just 11 years old.
At the time, Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba stated that the case highlighted the ongoing issue of sexual violence against vulnerable women and children in the province.
Conclusion
The upcoming court appearance of the two suspects in the Bolobedu student campus attack represents a crucial step toward justice for the victims. The swift response from police and collaboration between various law enforcement units demonstrate the seriousness with which such crimes are being addressed.
As the community awaits further developments in the case, authorities continue to urge victims of gender-based violence to report crimes immediately and seek legal justice. The focus now shifts to the Kgapane Magistrate’s Court, where the suspects will face the consequences of their alleged crimes.