Limpopo police launch manhunt after 15-year-old snatched in Lebowakgomo

Police in Limpopo have launched an urgent manhunt after a 15-year-old girl was reportedly grabbed in broad daylight in Lebowakgomo. The teenager was allegedly accosted while waiting for public transport and was taken in a vehicle before managing to escape and receive medical attention.

What happened

According to police, the teen was kidnapped in Lebowakgomo on Tuesday. She had been sent to the Lebowakgomo Complex to carry out errands and was waiting for public transport at the Jackyland exit bus stop along the R518 road when an unknown man allegedly approached her.

Escape and assistance

Police say the suspect forcibly pulled the teenager into a black vehicle and drove away. She later managed to escape when the vehicle stopped after another vehicle approached while the suspect was making a U-turn near Zone B. The girl ran to a nearby shop, where she collapsed and was assisted by members of the public before being taken to a local clinic for medical attention.

Police reported that the girl’s Samsung Galaxy A16 and cash were taken during the incident.

Police response and appeal

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said officers are working around the clock to find the girl. He described the sequence of events and the location where the teen was accosted and later escaped.

“According to information received, the teenager had been sent to Lebowakgomo Complex to carry out errands when she was allegedly accosted by an unknown man while waiting for public transport at the Jackyland exit bus stop along the R518 road.”

A case of kidnapping has been registered at Lebowakgomo SAPS. Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has information that could assist in identifying or locating the suspect to contact the investigating officer, Constable Promise Ngobeni on 082 414 2698, the nearest police station, the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS App. The police investigations are continuing.

Related policing activity

The report also noted recent police action in another case in Ekurhuleni in which officers rescued a kidnapped victim, made arrests and recovered stolen property and an unlicensed firearm.