By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – Phuthaditjhaba police have launched a manhunt for a third suspect linked to a kidnapping, robbery and gang-rape incident that occurred in Phuthaditjhaba on Saturday, 15 November.
Police are appealing to the community to come forward with any information that may lead to his arrest.
According to police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring, a 24-year-old woman from Fouriesburg, who is studying at a TVET College in QwaQwa, was asleep with her boyfriend in her rented room when they heard a loud bang. The boyfriend stepped outside to investigate, but when he returned, he was ambushed by three knife-wielding suspects.
The intruders allegedly forced the couple into a toilet, stabbed the boyfriend multiple times, and demanded cash and valuables including cellphones, a television, a laptop and a sound system. They then left the boyfriend without medical assistance and kidnapped the woman.
“The suspects allegedly took her to a nearby river where they raped her, and again at a house in Mabolela Village. Two suspects later left, leaving the third who continued sexually assaulting her,” Mophiring said.
The victim eventually managed to escape through a window and was assisted by a passer-by who helped her get to the police station.
“One suspect was later arrested while in possession of the victim’s television. His arrest led officers to a second suspect. The third suspect remains at large. The arrested suspects, aged 24 and 21, are facing charges of house robbery, kidnapping and rape. They are expected to appear in court soon,” Mophiring explained.
Police are urging anyone with information that may assist in tracking down the third suspect to contact their nearest police station immediately.
