ERMELO – The police requested the community’s help after two cases of gang rape were reported in Ermelo recently.

According to Capt Carla Prinsloo, spokesman for Ermelo police, the first incident took place at about 01:00 near the Mndeni flats on December 4.

A 22-year-old woman was on her way home, when five men with balaclavas confronted her.

The five men raped her and fled the scene.

Another incident took place at about 19:00 near Cwebezela on December 6.

A 20-year-old woman and her boyfriend were on their way home when four men armed with knives confronted them.

The men attacked her boyfriend, who managed to escape and seeked help.

A plastic bag was used to cover the woman’s face, and the men took her to a open field where all four raped her and stabbed her numerous times.

After the suspects fled the scene, she managed to crawl to a nearby house where the owner called the police and the ambulance services.

The woman was taken to Ermelo Provincial Hospital.

Ermelo police urge any person who have information that can help them with the investigation to contact Det Sgt MC Maredi at 017 801 0517 or 072 638 1652.