LIMPOPO — Law enforcement officials have arrested two male suspects in connection with the rape of a 15-year-old girl in Nkowankowa. The teenagers, aged 16 and 19, are facing two counts of rape following a delayed disclosure by the victim to her family, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat gender-based violence in the region.
According to police spokespersons, the alleged assault took place on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at approximately 18:00. The victim reported that she was attacked by the two known males while walking home from a local church in Nkowankowa Location Section C. Fear prevented her from immediately reporting the crime, and she only confided in her 52-year-old father on the morning of Sunday, September 27, 2026, at around 08:00.
Following the disclosure, the victim’s mother accompanied her to the residence of the 19-year-old suspect in the area. Upon noticing them approach, the suspect allegedly fled the scene. The family immediately alerted the authorities, prompting police to open a case of rape. A massive manhunt was swiftly launched by the Ritavi policing area to track down the two known suspects.
The intensive search yielded results later that same day, with both suspects apprehended in Nkowankowa Location Section C on Sunday, September 27.
Police spokespersons confirmed that the duo is scheduled to appear before the Ritavi Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. The 16-year-old minor will be processed and appear in court in accordance with the Child Justice Criminal Procedure Act.
Authorities emphasize that police investigations into the incident are continuing. The swift apprehension of the suspects underscores a renewed commitment to the #EndGBVF (End Gender-Based Violence and Femicide) mandate, ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice and victims are supported through the legal process.
