A manhunt has been launched for an unknown suspect following the alleged rape of two women and an armed robbery in Ramaroka village outside Bolobedu in Limpopo earlier this month.
According to police, the incident occurred on Saturday night, 3 May 2026, at about 9pm after an 18 year old woman accepted a lift from a man driving a silver Toyota Avanza while she was in Kheshokholwe village.
The driver allegedly told the woman he was travelling to Mohlabaneng village. Along the way, at the Mokwakwaila four way stop, he picked up another female passenger who was also heading to Mohlabaneng.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the suspect later diverted to Ramaroka Cross near the Voltania Solar Plant, where he stopped the vehicle, claiming he needed to relieve himself.
“When he returned to the vehicle, the first victim attempted to ask him to stop a passing vehicle belonging to a family member,” Ledwaba said.
The suspect allegedly then produced a firearm and ordered the second woman to lie on the ground, threatening to shoot her if she made any noise.
Ledwaba said the man then returned to the vehicle armed with a sharp object and threatened to stab the 18 year old victim if she screamed before allegedly raping her.
“Afterward, the suspect forcefully grabbed the second female victim who was also raped,” Ledwaba said.
Police said the suspect later robbed the women of two cellphones before fleeing the scene in the silver Toyota Avanza, whose registration number remains unknown.
The victims reportedly managed to get help from a passing motorist before the matter was reported to police.
Ledwaba confirmed that investigations into two counts of rape and armed robbery are continuing.
Police have appealed to anyone with information that could assist investigators to contact Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Mahlane on 082 469 2625, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, the nearest police station or use the MySAPS App.