A 16-year-old girl was raped after being given a lift by strangers in Lydenburg on 1 June at approximately 16:00.

According to a media statement issued by the SAPS, the female victim was from Dullstroom, heading to Lydenburg when a black VW Polo, with two male occupants, stopped and offered her a lift.

After passing Coromandel, the driver diverted the vehicle into a secluded area where the passenger allegedly covered her mouth with a cloth emitting a chemical smell, causing her to loose consciousness.

Upon regaining consciousness, she realised the passenger was busy raping her.

A case was opened and assigned to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for investigation.

The suspects are still at large and police are appealing to members of the public who may have information that may assist in locating and apprehending the suspects to contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Gabsile Mlangeni on 078 751 3463.

Alternatively, people may share information by calling the Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or send details via MYSAPSAPP.

All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has promised that the members assigned to probe this incident, will hunt down the suspects until they are brought to book.