LIMPOPO – Detectives at the Thohoyandou family violence, child protection and sexual offences (FCS) unit are investigating separate cases of rape in which a pregnant woman and a mentally disabled girl were the victims.

Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the rape of a 21-year-old woman, allegedly by her ex-boyfriend, happened on May 5 at approximately 04:30 in Dididi village in the Thohoyandou policing area.

According to the reports, the two were at a local tavern when the suspect requested the victim, who is six months pregnant, to accompany him to his residence to change his clothes.

Upon arrival, he produced a knife and raped her before fleeing the scene, the police say.

Meanwhile, police are still searching for a man who raped a 17-year-old mentally disabled girl on May 4 in Lunungwi village, Thohoyandou.

The man was apparently caught red-handed by community members while raping the victim in the bushes but managed to flee the scene.

The provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe condemned ongoing incidents of gender-based violence perpetrated against the most vulnerable groups within the communities.

She appealed to the community to come forward with information that can assist the police in their investigation.

If you can assist, contact investigating officer Sergeant Eliah Mabaso on 082 351 5219, the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or your nearest police station or the MySAPSApp.