By Sbongile Nonyana
- Four students were raped at gunpoint in Limpopo campus attack.
- The suspects were caught with stolen phones and a victim’s bank card.
Two men have been arrested for the rape of four college students during a robbery at a student campus in Phaphadi Village, Limpopo.
The suspects, aged 18 and 24, are expected to appear in the Kgapane Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 14 March. They face charges of rape, business robbery and possession of suspected stolen property.
The attack happened at around 11pm on Saturday, 22 February, when an armed man stormed into the residence where female students were staying.
Police said he grabbed eight students at gunpoint and dragged four of them into a passage, where he raped them. He then fled on foot after stealing their cellphones.
Limpopo police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng said the victims immediately reported the attack, triggering a police operation by the Mopani Tracking Team and the Tzaneen Family Violence, Children Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS).
The first suspect was caught in Bellview village on Tuesday, 11 March. He was found with one of the stolen phones and arrested on the spot after failing to explain how he got it.
The investigation led officers to a second suspect at another address, where they found more cellphones and a bank card belonging to one of the victims hidden under his bed.
Both suspects were detained at Bolobedu police station.
Police have urged residents in the Bolobedu area who have lost or been robbed of their phones to come forward and identify the recovered items.
Anyone with information can contact Detective Sergeant Dalton Makhubela at 082 414 6043, 082 414 2953 or go to Bolobedu police station.
Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe praised the officers for their swift action, saying the arrests are a step towards justice for the victims. Investigations are ongoing.
Pictured above: Police lights.
Image source: File
