Key Takeaways:
- A 34-year-old man, Bonginkosi Kgopotso Mazibuko, is being sought by police in connection with two rape cases involving minor girls in the Sekhukhune District.
- The incidents occurred in October 2022 and November 2024, and involved victims aged 17 and 12.
- The suspect allegedly used a silver Volkswagen Polo to abduct and rape the victims, who were both on their way to school at the time of the incidents.
- Police have launched a massive manhunt for the suspect, who is believed to be residing in Mkhuhlu under the Calcutta policing area in Mpumalanga.
- Anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact the investigating officer or submit tips via the MySAPS App.
Introduction to the Case:
The police in Limpopo have launched a manhunt for a 34-year-old man believed to be linked to two rape cases involving minor girls in the Sekhukhune District. The Burgersfort Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit is seeking public assistance to trace Bonginkosi Kgopotso Mazibuko, whose presence is believed to be crucial to the ongoing investigation. The incidents occurred at separate locations under the Mecklenburg policing area, highlighting the need for vigilance and cooperation from the community to bring the suspect to justice.
Details of the Incidents:
According to the South African Police Service, the first incident occurred on 24 October 2022, when a 17-year-old victim was walking to school. A silver Volkswagen Polo with unknown registration numbers stopped in front of her, and the suspect allegedly pointed a firearm at the teenager and forced her into the vehicle. She was allegedly driven to bushes in Ga-Mathipa village, where the suspect ordered her to undress, took photographs of her, and raped her inside the vehicle. The victim was later dropped off at a main road, where she received assistance from a passing motorist before reporting the incident to her grandmother, who then alerted police. In a similar incident on 18 November 2024, police said the suspect allegedly used the same modus operandi to rape a 12-year-old girl in the same policing area. The child was also on her way to school when the suspect allegedly threatened her with a firearm, forced her into a silver Volkswagen Polo, and drove her to bushes near a local mine, where she was raped inside the vehicle.
Investigations and Evidence:
Police said intensive investigations, including forensic DNA analysis, positively linked the suspect to both cases. The evidence collected from the crime scenes and the testimony of the victims have been instrumental in identifying the suspect and building a case against him. The police are now working tirelessly to apprehend the suspect and bring him to justice. The use of forensic DNA analysis has been particularly crucial in this case, as it has provided a tangible link between the suspect and the crimes. This highlights the importance of forensic science in solving crimes and bringing perpetrators to justice.
Manhunt and Public Assistance:
A massive manhunt is currently underway, with the suspect believed to be residing in Mkhuhlu under the Calcutta policing area in Mpumalanga. The police are urging anyone with information that could assist them in tracing the suspect to come forward. Anyone with information can contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Letsatsi Mojalefa, on 076 140 5379, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, the nearest police station, or submit tips via the MySAPS App. The public’s assistance is crucial in bringing the suspect to justice and ensuring that he does not harm anyone else. The police are counting on the community’s cooperation and vigilance to help them apprehend the suspect and keep the community safe.
Conclusion and Appeal:
The police are continuing their investigations and are appealing to the public to come forward with any information that could assist them in tracing the suspect. The suspect’s crimes are heinous and have caused immense harm to the victims and their families. It is essential that he is brought to justice as soon as possible to prevent further harm and to restore peace and security in the community. The police are committed to solving this case and are working tirelessly to ensure that justice is served. The public’s assistance and cooperation are vital in achieving this goal, and anyone with information is urged to come forward and help bring the suspect to justice.
