Limpopo police are engaged in an urgent manhunt for a suspect who subjected four college students to a horrific ordeal, raping them at gunpoint in their residence at Tlharihani TVET College in Bolobedu over the weekend. The attack, which has left the campus community reeling, occurred on the night of 22 February, prompting serious concerns about student safety and security measures.
According to police reports, the incident unfolded at approximately 23:10 on Saturday when a 20-year-old student left her dorm to fetch water. As she stepped outside, she was accosted by the armed assailant.
“Suddenly she screamed for help,” said police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng, describing the terrifying moment.
A 21-year-old student, hearing the commotion, rushed to the scene, only to be confronted by the sight of “an unknown African male wearing a black balaclava, black jersey, blue jeans, black gloves, white sneakers, and pointing them with a firearm,” according to Thakeng.
Tragically, more female students from the Mamaila village college rushed to the scene hoping to help the first student. In total, eight students found themselves held at gunpoint by the assailant.
Thakeng said the ordeal began when a 20-year-old student left the dorm to fetch water outside where she was cornered by the man.
“She screamed and then another female aged 21 saw an unknown male wearing a black balaclava, black jersey, blue jeans, black gloves, white sneakers, and pointing a firearm.”
After the rapes, the young women were further robbed of their possessions, including cellphones. The suspect left the scene on foot, Thakeng said.
Following the horrific attacks, the suspect fled the scene on foot, taking with him a Samsung A04 and a Nokia C10 cellphone.
“A case of armed robbery and four counts of rape were registered for further investigation,” Thakeng confirmed.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has issued a directive for all available police resources to be deployed in the effort to track and apprehend the perpetrator.
“The police have been instructed to use all resources by Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe, to track down and trace the suspect who allegedly attacked and raped students before fleeing the scene with their valuables,” said Thakeng.
Anyone who has information leading to the arrest of the armed rapist is urged to contact Detective Constable Dzumisani Mhlongo on 083 585 3885 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
The incident has sparked widespread fear and outrage among the student population, with many expressing concerns about their safety on campus.
Several students, who wished to remain anonymous, shared their concerns with Daily Sun, saying they no longer feel safe.
“The issue of safety is our main concern. We’re not safe at all. If something like this can happen when we’ve just opened schools, imagine what’s going to happen throughout the year. We thought staying on campus would give us security but here we are.
“We call on our college management to review security measures. This is unacceptable. We can’t have students attacked on campus when there are security personnel,” the student said.
The college management is now under increasing pressure to review and enhance security measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its students. The focus is on implementing stricter access controls, increasing security patrols, and improving lighting in and around the residences. The college is also working closely with the police to provide support and counselling to the victims and other affected students.
