Night of horrors: Robbers terrorised villagers, raped children and shot man in his home

THE POLICE in Limpopo have launched an intensive manhunt for two armed suspects responsible for a series of violent house robberies and sexual assaults that terrorised residents of Hoveni village in the Maake policing area.

Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, provincial police spokesperson, said the crime spree began on Friday night and continued into the early hours of Saturday.

“Between 11.30pm on Friday and 2am on Saturday, the suspects embarked on a ruthless crime spree, targeting seven households within the same community in what appears to be a co-ordinated and calculated series of attacks. The suspects, armed with firearms, forcibly entered homes by breaking down doors, demanding money and valuables from victims, and committing serious violent crimes including multiple counts of rape involving minors,” said Ledwaba.

The besieged households were subjected to robberies, where money and cellphones were stolen.

The police also recorded three separate incidents of rape, including the sexual assault of minors aged 14 and 15. 

A case of attempted murder, where a man was shot multiple times, was also registered. The police said the victim is currently hospitalised. 

Other cases registered by the police include assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and multiple instances where shots were fired.

Ledwaba said forensic teams have already recovered several pieces of evidence from the crime scenes, including empty cartridges. 

A specialised task team of detectives from the provincial Serious and Violent Crime unit, Crime Intelligence, and the Tactical Response Team has been established to investigate the cases.

Meanwhile, the provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe, has expressed outrage over the heinous crimes. 

"What we have witnessed in Hoveni village is an attack not just on individual families, but on the safety and dignity of our entire community," said Hadebe.

"I have directed our most experienced detectives to prioritise this case and ordered the deployment of additional specialised units to the area. These dangerous criminals will be found and they will face the full might of the law.

"The level of violence and depravity shown during this crime spree is deeply disturbing,” she said.

Hadebe said the criminals showed complete disregard for human life and dignity, particularly targeting vulnerable women and children. 

“We will not rest until they are behind bars,” said Hadebe.

The police are appealing to community members who may have information about the suspects' identities to contact Warrant Officer Phaladi Makola on 082 749 2233 or Colonel Richard Boshomane on 079 894 5501. Alternatively, contact the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app.