Police in Limpopo have launched multiple investigations into murders, rapes and kidnappings involving women and girls reported across the province during the month of August, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a series of statements issued since 1 August.
Pattern of violence recorded in several districts
The incidents span districts including Capricorn (Polokwane), Vhembe, Mopani and areas near Dennilton. Among the cases recorded this month are fatal attacks, abductions, rape and a reported ransom demand, SAPS said.
In one case, an unidentified woman was discovered with multiple stab wounds behind a church in Ga-Madiba village on 9 August. Police have appealed for assistance from the public to help identify her, according to SAPS.
Also on 1 August, SAPS reported an alleged abduction in Dennilton where a 26-year-old woman was taken from her home by two armed men while her partner was away. Her body was found the next morning near the Ntwane soccer ground, with multiple gunshot wounds; the motive remains under investigation.
In Polokwane, an incident on 9 August involves a 34-year-old woman who was allegedly abducted after accepting a lift. SAPS reported that the suspect demanded a ransom of R6 500 from the victim’s mother. Police later tracked and arrested a suspect in that matter, who is due to appear at the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court, the statements said. Authorities indicated the individual may be linked to up to four further kidnapping cases.
Other cases include the arrest of a 24-year-old man, Nakedi Samuel Ramollo, in connection with the disappearance and killing of 18-year-old Anna Ramollo. Police apprehended Nakedi Ramollo in Polokwane on 5 August; the matter has been remanded to 15 September.
Children among the victims
Several incidents reported to SAPS involve minors. In Vhembe, a 13-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a relative on 8 August; the assault was brought to light when the girl’s mother returned from Women’s Day events and was informed by family members, the statement said.
In a separate incident in the Mopani district on the same night, SAPS reported that three sisters were allegedly abducted and raped by two men before being released near a filling station. Another matter detailed in SAPS releases involves a 49-year-old man arrested on allegations of repeatedly raping his 16-year-old daughter.
| Date | Location | Allegation |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 Aug | Dennilton / Ntwane | Abduction and murder (26-year-old woman) |
| 5 Aug | Polokwane | Arrest of suspect in Anna Ramollo case |
| 8 Aug | Vhembe | Alleged rape of 13-year-old |
| 8 Aug | Mopani | Three sisters allegedly abducted and raped |
| 9 Aug | Ga-Madiba | Unidentified woman found stabbed |
| 9 Aug | Polokwane | Alleged abduction and rape with ransom demand (34-year-old) |
SAPS has urged anyone with information on these matters to come forward and assist investigations. The service’s statements did not supply further details on suspects or on the investigative leads being pursued in each matter.
Community impact and safety reminders
The cluster of violent incidents during a month designated to honour women has raised alarm among residents and community leaders, according to the SAPS communications. Local civil society groups and victim support services have, in other recent cases across the country, urged survivors to report crimes and seek medical and psychological care.
Practical steps the public can take, as commonly recommended by SAPS and support organisations, include:
- Report any information about violent crimes to your nearest police station promptly.
- Preserve physical evidence and seek medical attention immediately after an assault.
- Contact local victim support services or social workers for counselling and legal assistance.
The statements from SAPS did not provide a consolidated figure for all cases opened province-wide during August, but the incidents reported publicly demonstrate multiple ongoing probes into violent crimes against women and children. Police continue to investigate and have indicated court processes will proceed for arrested suspects.
For now, SAPS requests that anyone with relevant information contact their nearest police station to assist with the investigations.
Reporter: Limpopo Correspondent (Polokwane)
