Alex Matlala

Alex Matlala

Police have launched a search for a man who lost part of his tongue after it was bitten off by a woman he attempted to rape in Mankweng.

The search, which began last Thursday, is being conducted in clinics and hospitals across Limpopo.

The part of the tongue, which is about 2cm, has been kept at a safe place in the Mankweng Police Station since Wednesday.

Mankweng police spokesman Malan Nchabeleng said the owner of the tongue was believed to be hiding in the bushes. They expected him to come out of hiding soon for medical attention or to hand himself in to the police.

Nchabeleng urged the public and staff at clinics and hospitals to alert the police once they are approached by someone with part of their tounge missing.

He said the incident took place at about 9pm on Wednesday at GaThoka village near Mankweng.

Nchabeleng said the man met the woman while she was walking in the street and attempted to rape her after threatening her with a knife.

He said the woman had begged the man not to hurt or kill her.

Then, the woman asked the man to kiss her first before they had sex and the man agreed.

"But the woman bit the man's tongue while they were kissing ," said Nchabeleng .

This is not the first time this has happened. In October, James Mashiloane, 30, from GaMarishane near Nebo was arrested while queuing for an operation at a local clinic after a woman he tried to rape bit off his tongue.

Meanwhile, police in Mopani are also searching for a man who sustained a wound to his penis after it was cut with a knife by a woman he tried to rape at Sekororo village in Tzaneen.