A Malamulele woman has been subjected to a night of unimaginable terror after three armed men broke into her home in the early hours of Tuesday morning, assaulting and raping her before stealing her belongings and escaping in her own vehicle.
The horrific incident has triggered a major manhunt by police in the Vhembe District of Limpopo, as authorities work to track down the perpetrators of this brutal attack.
A Home Turned into a Nightmare
According to police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the 35-year-old victim was asleep in her homestead when she was awakened by the three intruders. One of them was armed with a firearm.
“The suspects allegedly demanded money from the victim at gunpoint,” Ledwaba said. When it became clear that she had no money to give them, the situation escalated into extreme violence. The men allegedly assaulted and raped the woman.
A Calculated Getaway
After the assault, the suspects did not flee on foot. They systematically robbed the woman, taking three laptops and three cellphones. They then demanded the keys to her white Nissan Hardbody NP300 bakkie, which they used as their getaway vehicle.
The total value of the stolen property, including the vehicle, is estimated at a staggering R459,000.
In a small breakthrough, police later recovered the stolen bakkie on the same day. It was found abandoned in Mulenzhe village, within the Thohoyandou policing area. The remaining stolen items are still missing.
A Plea for Public Assistance
The Malamulele Police have opened cases of house robbery and rape. The investigation is actively underway, with a focus on tracing and arresting the three suspects.
Authorities are now making a direct appeal to the public for help. Anyone with information that could lead to the apprehension of these men is urged to come forward.
Information can be provided by:
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Contacting the investigating officer, Sergeant Soza Nkwinika, on 082 319 9724
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Calling the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111
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Visiting the nearest police station
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Using the anonymous My SAPS App
For the victim and the community of Malamulele, the search for justice is just beginning. The recovery of the vehicle offers a crucial clue, but the pursuit of the men responsible for this brutal act remains the top priority for law enforcement.
{Source: IOL}
