TWO SUSPECTS ARRESTED FOLLOWING THE ATTACK OF ON DUTY POLICE OFFICIALS

TWO SUSPECTS ARRESTED FOLLOWING THE ATTACK OF ON DUTY POLICE OFFICIALS

POLOKWANE: The Provincial Commissioner of the Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has welcomed the arrest of two (02) foreign national males, for a case of rape and assault on police, malicious damage to property and interference with Police duties, following an incident that took place on Monday, 25 August 2025 at around 12h20, at Elim Mpheni Block B&C in Waterval Policing.

According to information, the three Police Constables, including a female, attached at Makhado FCS, were tracing a rape suspect at Elim Mpheni Block C and he managed flee. Police chased him when they were attacked by a group of foreign nationals at Elim Mpheni Block B.

A male suspect aged 34 was cornered and ultimately apprehended. His brother realised that his brother (rape suspect) was arrested. He then mobilised his fellow foreigners while the three Police were still at the scene. They started to stone the Police, and in the process, one of the suspects grabbed the female Police official on her neck and choked her while holding a brick on his hand, threatening to kill her.

One of her colleagues swiftly reacted by firing a shot at the direction of the suspect, and he sustained injuries on his upper body shoulder. Other suspects ran to different directions, and the female Police managed to run. EMS were summoned and the suspect was rushed to local hospital.

A 34-year-old male was arrested for rape case that occurred during August 2025. Meanwhile, the injured male suspect (age still to be verified) was arrested under Police guard, for assault on Police, malicious damage to property, and interference with Police duties.

“We condemn the incident in which the Police officials were attacked as they were rightfully performing their duties by arresting a rape suspect. At the same time, welcome the arrest of the two suspects. Thorough investigations are underway to find the suspect behind the attack on Police,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.

IPID was also notified for further investigation of attempted murder case.

The rape suspect will appear before Waterval Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 27 August 2025, and the second suspect will soon appear before the same court.

The Police investigations are ongoing.