LIMPOPO – The Police in Namakgale outside Phalaborwa have launched a manhunt for the two suspects who robbed two TVET students and raped one.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said the two men, who were wearing face masks, broke in to rooms rented by TVET College students and robbed them at gunpoint in the early hours of Wednesday morning (May 18).

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“The students, aged 23 and 27 were asleep in a room when they were woken by the sound of a burglar door being broken. The two men gained access to the room and demanded money and cellphones at gunpoint,” Mojapelo said.

After taking a cellphone, Mojapelo said the suspects then ordered the victims to accompany them to the nearest bushes where they (victims) were assaulted.

“The suspects demanded money and more cellphones and one of the suspects returned to the room to take more items. Both suspects allegedly raped the 27-year-old victim, tied both of them and left the scene,” he said.

The victims managed to untie themselves and found the following items missing from their room:

– Two cellphones
– Cash
– An iron
– An identity document
– A Nike sports bag
– A red sports bag
– A jersey and
– Blankets

The Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has urged the community to assist the police in tracking down the suspects.

“Cases of housebreaking, house robbery, assault and rape were opened and police investigations continue. Anyone with information that can assist the police in tracing and arresting the suspects is requested to contact Lieutenant Colonel Lilian Mahlathi at 082 469 1240, the police toll-free number 08600 10111 or the nearest police station,” Mojapelo said.