Ritavi — Limpopo police have launched a manhunt after three sisters, between 14 and 17 years old, were allegedly lured into a bush, raped and dumped near a garage in Khujwana late on 8 August, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said on Tuesday.
How the incident unfolded
SAPS provincial spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said preliminary investigations indicate two unknown men in a red Toyota Corolla approached the three minors on Saturday at about 11:00pm. The suspects allegedly persuaded the sisters to go with them to a tavern to buy food, but the vehicle was driven to a secluded bush area in Khujwana Village.
Police say the trio were allegedly forcefully undressed and raped by both men before they were dropped off on the road next to a filling station. A petrol attendant at the garage contacted the victims’ mother at 03:45 on Sunday morning to say the girls needed police assistance, Ledwaba said.
Police response and investigation
The Ritavi police, sitting within Mopani District, opened three counts of rape and investigators from the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit have been deployed. Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, the Provincial Commissioner for Limpopo, condemned the alleged attack and urged community co‑operation.
“Gender-based violence has no place in our society. Our Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit has activated all resources to trace and arrest the perpetrators,”
Scheepers’ statement, provided by SAPS, called on anyone with information to come forward to help the investigation.
How the public can help
SAPS provided contact details for anyone who may assist with leads. Citizens are asked to contact the investigating officer, Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Mahlane, on 082 469 2625. Alternative channels are:
- Crime Stop: 08600 10111
- The nearest police station
- The MySAPS app
Local impact and wider context
Incidents of sexual violence, especially those involving children, prompt urgent mobilisation by specialised SAPS units because of the need to secure forensic evidence and to ensure victims receive medical care and psychosocial support. The activation of the FCS unit indicates investigators are treating the matter as high priority, with resources focused on immediate tracing of the suspects and gathering statements and physical evidence.
For families in rural communities such as Khujwana, trust in public safety structures is tested by incidents like this. Neighbourhood watch groups, community leaders and local health services often play a role in supporting victims and encouraging witnesses to report information to the police. SAPS’ public appeal signals the reliance on community cooperation to locate suspects who may move quickly from a crime scene.
What victims should do
Victims of sexual assault should, where possible, seek urgent medical attention at the nearest clinic or hospital to preserve evidence and access care. SAPS and health facilities can also provide referrals for counselling and social services. Anyone worried about their safety or that of children should contact local police immediately.
| Key detail | Information provided |
|---|---|
| Location | Khujwana Village, near filling station |
| Time and date | About 11:00pm, 8 August; mother alerted at 03:45, 9 August |
| Victims | Three sisters, aged 14–17 |
| Suspects | Two unknown men in a red Toyota Corolla |
| Police action | Three counts of rape opened; FCS unit activated |
The community is urged to preserve any potential evidence and to avoid public speculation that could harm the investigation or the victims’ privacy. SAPS reiterated that anyone with information, no matter how small it seems, should call the listed numbers or visit their nearest station.
This office will continue to follow developments as investigators work to trace and apprehend the suspects and as support services are mobilised for the victims and their family.
