2 February

LIMPOPO – Police Spokesperson, Col Moatshe Ngoepe says the duo appeared in the Namakgale Magistrate’s Court today. “They were denied bail and their cases were postponed to 1 March for formal bail application and further police investigation,” he said.

25 January 18:00

LIMPOPO – Police Spokesperson, Col Moatshe Ngoepe says the duo appeared in the Namakgale Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 22 January, facing charges of carjacking and rape.

“They were both denied bail and their cases were postponed to 27 January for formal bail application and further police investigation,” he said.

09:00

LIMPOPO – Two men, aged 20 and 29, will appear before the Namakgale Magistrate’s Court, soon, following their arrest on Thursday. 

Police Spokesperson, Col Moatshe Ngoepe says police received a tip-off from the Community Police Forum (CPF) about the men’s whereabouts, who were arrested in connection with a carjacking and rape incident in the Namakgale and Phalaborwa policing areas in 2020.

“The suspects, who are believed to be part of a group that has been terrorising the community in these areas for some time, were arrested in Seloane village,” he explained.

The duo are believed to be part of a group of four men, who robbed a couple along the R71 near Seloane Cross on 5 December 2020. The 43-year-old man and his partner (31) were travelling in a bakkie to Seloane village and gave four unknown men a lift. “One of the men occupied the front seat. They then drove along the R71 near Seloane Cross, when suddenly, the man who occupied the front seat, pointed the driver with a firearm and instructed him to drive into the bushes. They robbed the victims of their cellphones, cash and also demanded the car keys,” Ngoepe added.c

The driver was assaulted and both his hands were tied.

“The men tried to flee in the vehicle, but failed, apparently because of mechanical problems. The four suspects then took turns in raping the woman and thereafter fled the scene on foot. The victims managed to get to the police station and reported the incident,” he said.

Ngoepe added that the duo may still be linked to other similar cases in and around the area or throughout the Mopani District.

“A manhunt for the two remaining suspects is still underway and anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of these suspects, may contact Det Serg Golden Motetia Shai at 082 465 2996, the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or their nearest police station.”

The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt Gen Nneke Ledwaba, commended the partnership-spirit shown by members of the community in the area for their cooperation with the police and endless commitment in the fight against crime.