Horrific case of gender-based violence: Limpopo man arrested for murder and rape
A 33-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly murdering his partner and raping her teenage daughter.
Image: File
Police in Limpopo have arrested a 33-year-old man in connection with the gruesome killing of his partner and the rape of her 16-year-old daughter, in what authorities have described as a horrific case of gender-based violence.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the ordeal unfolded in the early hours of August 10, when the suspect allegedly woke the teenager around 2 am, claiming they needed to search for her mother at local taverns in Mundzedzi village. The 36-year-old woman had last been seen the previous evening at a local tavern.
He added that while they were searching for the mother, the suspect allegedly raped the teenage girl.
"After failing to locate the mother, the suspect led the minor toward Vleifontein bushes next to the local cemetery, where he allegedly raped her. The suspect then instructed the traumatised teenager to return home."
The 16-year-old immediately alerted a community member about the raped incident, prompting them to contact police. A rape case was opened, and a swift manhunt led to the suspect’s arrest.
Ledwaba said that during questioning on August 11, investigators discovered the suspect had murdered the missing woman and hidden her body at a local school.
"The body was retrieved with assistance from relevant stakeholders in a pit toilet at a local school, and the suspect now faces an additional charge of murder."
Meanwhile, Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe expressed deep outrage over the horrific incident, highlighting its tragic timing during Women’s Month.
"This act of horrible crime represents the worst of gender-based violence - a man who was supposed to protect this family instead became their worst nightmare. That he would murder a woman and then rape her teenage daughter shows the depths of depravity we are fighting against," she said.
Hadebe praised the swift police response and lauded the bravery of the teenage survivor for coming forward to report the crime.
The suspect remains in police custody and is expected to appear in court soon, facing charges of rape and murder.
Police investigations are ongoing.
The Star
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