Police in Limpopo have arrested two additional suspects in connection with the rape of a 24-year-old woman at Phiphidi Village, bringing the total number of arrests in the case to three.
The breakthrough was made by members of the SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit in Thohoyandou, as pressure continues to mount under the banner of #EndGBVF.
A 36-year-old man briefly appeared in the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 2 April, where he was remanded in custody. The two newly arrested suspects, aged between 22 and 37, are expected to make their first court appearance on Tuesday, 7 April, on charges of rape.
According to police, the incident unfolded in the early hours of Saturday, 28 March. The victim and her boyfriend were walking towards Phiphidi Village when they were confronted by a group of about seven men near a graveyard.
Some of the attackers were armed with knives and bottles.
When the couple failed to produce money, the situation escalated. The woman was forcibly dragged towards the graveyard, threatened with a knife, and raped by three suspects. Her boyfriend was held at knifepoint and stabbed during the attack.
The assault continued inside the graveyard before the suspects fled the scene, leaving both victims traumatised.
Police said investigations were ongoing, and further arrests had not been ruled out.
The case adds to growing concern over gender-based violence in the Vhembe District, with communities again calling for justice and stronger protection for women.