Limpopo police investigate rape of 88-year-old and gang rape of 16-year-old

Limpopo police have opened intensive investigations into two separate sexual assault cases one involving the rape of an 88-year-old woman in Namakgale and another alleging the gang rape of a 16-year-old girl in Musina.

Two incidents, two investigations

Members of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Units in Phalaborwa and Musina are handling the cases, which occurred on May 30 and 31 within the Namakgale and Musina policing precincts.

Rape of an 88-year-old in Namakgale

Police confirmed an arrest in the Namakgale matter. “In the first incident, a 43-year-old man was arrested following the alleged rape of an 88-year-old woman at Majeje C Village in Namakgale during the early hours of Sunday, May 31, 2026,” provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said.

According to preliminary information, the woman was sleeping in her home when the suspect allegedly forced open the door, threatened her, and raped her before fleeing. “The victim subsequently sought assistance from neighbours and reported the matter to the police. She was taken to the hospital for medical examination,” Ledwaba said.

The suspect was traced and arrested and is expected to appear in the Lulekani Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, June 2, on a charge of rape, police said.

Alleged gang rape of a 16-year-old in Musina

In a separate incident in Musina, police launched a manhunt for three suspects after the alleged gang rape of a 16-year-old girl at one of the Musina Extensions.

Ledwaba described the reported sequence of events: “It is alleged that the victim attended a social gathering on Saturday, May 30, 2026, and later accompanied a friend to a room where she fell asleep. She reportedly awoke to find three men in the room, and her friend was not there, two of whom are known to her. The suspects allegedly assaulted and raped her before fleeing when her friend returned to the room. A case of rape has been opened, and members of the FCS Unit have intensified investigations to arrest the involved suspects,” he said.

Police response

The Limpopo Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, condemned the incidents.

“We remain resolute in protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities, will ensure that all the perpetrators involved are behind bars,”

Police investigations into both cases are ongoing.