LIMPOPO – Two male suspects, aged 17 and 21, have been arrested by the Makhado Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit in connection with the rape of a 14-year-old girl in Pfananani village.

The incident occurred late at night on Monday (December 29).

Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says the girl went to a neighbour’s home to charge two cellphones and found the neighbour cooking outside the house.

After asking for permission, she was allowed to charge the devices and sat with the neighbour and his male friend.

It is alleged that two more men, who were reportedly under the influence of alcohol, entered the house, began harassing the victim and took the cellphones into one of the bedrooms to be charged.

The girl was taken into the bedroom, where she was assaulted by the two men while the neighbour and his friend briefly went outside to check on the food they were preparing.

After the incident, the suspects fled the scene.

The matter was immediately reported at the local police station, where a rape case was opened and later transferred to the Makhado FCS Unit for further investigation.

A manhunt was launched, leading to the arrest of the suspects at Pfananani village in the Tshitale policing area on Saturday (January 3).

The suspects are expected to appear before the Tshitale Magistrate’s Court on Monday, January 5, facing a charge of rape.

Police investigations are continuing.