Thlarihani TVET College
By: Boitumelo Makhapheetja
Two men, aged 18 and 24, are set to appear before the Kgapane Magistrate’s Court on Friday, facing severe charges including possession of suspected stolen items and four counts of rape.
The alleged crimes took place at Thlarihani TVET College in Phaphadi village, within the Bolobedu policing area, on February 22 at around midnight.
According to Limpopo provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, the attacker grabbed eight students at gunpoint, led four of them to a passage, and raped them. He then stole their cellphones and fled the scene on foot. The victims promptly reported the incident to the police, sparking a thorough investigation.
A breakthrough came on Tuesday when police found one of the suspects in Bellview village, in possession of a stolen cellphone from one of the students. Further investigation led to the discovery of multiple cellphones and a bank card belonging to one of the victims at the second suspect’s home.
The police are urging members of the community who have lost or been robbed of their cellphones to come forward and identify their stolen property. They can contact Detective Sergeant Dalton Makhubela at 082 414 6043 or 082 414 2953, or visit the Bolobedu police station.
Limpopo provincial commissioner of police, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the investigating team for their outstanding work in ensuring that perpetrators of sexual violence face justice.