The family of a 15-year-old girl from Vyeboom in Vuwani who was allegedly raped in July last year is still awaiting justice as the suspect remains at large.
On Saturday, 26 August, local police attempted to arrest the suspect during a football tournament at the Marikana Football Club Grounds after they had received a tip-off from residents. Their efforts, however, proved futile when the suspect, after being caught and handcuffed, managed to escape from them.
According to the mother of the victim, her daughter was raped when she was 14 years old. She said that, when she tried to confront the suspect after her daughter had told her he had raped her, he had deliberately evaded her questions. She then took her daughter to Tshilidzini Hospital for a medical examination, where the girl was confirmed to have been raped. "The hospital offered counselling, and I then opened a case against him (suspect). My daughter, who was in Grade 9 when the incident happened, started to suffer from lack of concentration, even at school. I am hoping that the police find him, so that he can be held responsible for his actions," she said.
A member of the Vyeboom Civic Organization, Mr Calvin Tshidumo, said the escape of the suspect from the hands of the police had left the community both perplexed and concerned about the pursuit of justice.
The Limpopo police spokesperson, Lt Col Malesela Ledwaba, confirmed that the SAPS in Vuwani were investigating a case of statutory rape against the identified suspect. "We can further confirm that the suspect, Given Mukhadi, is still on the run after evading arrest from the police on several occasions. We are appealing to the community to assist with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspect," said Ledwaba.
Any information may be directed to Captain Masianoga on 082 530 0653 or the nearest police station. Alternatively, call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, or share information via the MySAPSApp.