A teenager raped and killed after hitchhiking in Mahwelereng

A 35-year-old Man has been arrested after raping two girls aged 13 and 17, killing one of them after they hitchhiked on his vehicle at Ga-Mokaba village, Mahwelereng on Sunday night. The other victim was severely injured. 

The two friends hitchhiked an unknown motor vehicle with one occupant at Moshate Cross at approximately 19:00. The driver dropped them off next to the Tshamahansi taxi rank and drove off. 

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Surprisingly, the same driver returned and stopped next to them. But this time, he produced a sharp object and forced the duo into the vehicle.

The suspect took the victims to the nearby bushes. Upon arrival, he started by raping the 13-year-old and thereafter strangled her. The perpetrator continued to rape the 17-year-old girl and stabbed her with a sharp object multiple times before fleeing from the scene.

The 17-year-old victim who was severely injured managed to walk to the nearby village. She was assisted by the community. 

SUSPECT ARRESTED FOR RAPE AND KILLING A YOUNG GIRL WHO HITCHHIKED IN HIS VEHICLE AT MAHWELERENG

The suspect is reportedly a repeated sex offender. He was apprehended on Tuesday, 23 July subsequent to a well-planned tactical operation. The motor vehicle used in the commission of the crime was confiscated during the arrest.

“The quick response and coordinated efforts of this team of members led to the arrest of the suspect within a short space of time. Showcasing the dedication and commitment of our officers to bringing justice to the victims and their families,” said Police Commissioner in Limpopo Thembi Hadebe.

The Provincial Commissioner also acknowledged the crucial role of the community and various stakeholders in providing information that led to the swift arrest.

The suspect is expected to appear before Mahwelereng Magistrate’s  Court on Thursday, 25 July 2024. He is facing charges of two counts of rape,  murder and assault GBH.