The residents of Masire village in Tshakhuma are grappling with shock and disbelief as the Levubu police intensify their search for suspects linked to the alleged rape of a 15-year-old girl on Saturday, 20 January.
The incident reportedly occurred near Tshiemuemu Secondary School, where the victim had been sent to purchase medication for her mother at Tshakhuma Market Pharmacy. As the hours passed, the concerned mother attempted to contact her daughter, but her calls went unanswered, which evoked concern for the family.
According to Limpopo police spokesperson Lt Col Malesela Ledwaba, the mother received an unexpected call from a local pastor, who informed her that he had found the girl walking alone in the street, crying. "Preliminary investigations indicated that the victim bought medication and boarded a minibus to go home," he said. The taxi driver allegedly took a wrong turn and ended up near the Tshiemuemu Secondary School. Here the driver, along with three male passengers, alighted. "The suspects led the victim into nearby bushes, where she was raped by one of them," said Ledwaba.
After the traumatic experience, the girl was released and the suspects fled the scene. A manhunt has been launched to apprehend the suspects, who remain at large.
Fhatuwani Raphulu, chairperson of the Tshakhuma branch of the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO), expressed his dismay over the incident. "This came as a surprise, as it is the first time that such an incident has happened here. We never expected such a thing to happen to a minor girl," he said. Raphulu added that what made the incident even more shocking was that it allegedly happened while the girl was using public transport, which they believed to be safe. "We are really hurt and hope the police find these suspects and bring them to book," he said.
Acting Police Commissioner in Limpopo Maj-Gen Jan Scheepers condemned the incident and urged the investigators to trace and arrest the suspects to ensure that they face the full extent of the law.
Community members with information that can assist with their investigations are encouraged to contact the investigating officer, Col Buys, on 082 469 0985, the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, the nearest police station, or use the MySAPSApp.