LIMPOPO – Thohoyandou police are investigating a case of kidnapping and rape involving a 31-year-old woman with a mental disability in Shayandima this past weekend.

According to police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the incident occurred on Saturday (January 24).

The victim’s 56-year-old mother had left her daughter at home to purchase food at a local supermarket. Upon her return, she found her daughter missing and, after searching, reported her disappearance to the police.

On Monday, a relative notified the mother that her daughter had been located and was at Tshilidzini Hospital.

She rushed to the facility, where the victim explained she had left home because she did not want to take her medication and had gone to Thavhani Mall.

“The victim reported that she was approached by an unknown man who took her to a house in Shayandima location. Upon arrival, he forced her to have sex with him,” stated Ledwaba. “She was held from Saturday evening until her release on Monday, when she ended up at the hospital.”

Due to her condition, the victim is unable to identify the exact location where she was held. A manhunt for the perpetrator is now underway.

Police are appealing to anyone with information that can assist the investigation to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Lufuno Matsembe, on 082 061 6600. Tips can also be given via Crime Stop on 08600 10111, at any police station, or through the MySAPSApp.