Kagiso police have launched a manhunt for gangs of rapists that have been terrorising vulnerable women in the area .
This month alone, three women were gang-raped by two gangs who pounced on them while walking in Tshepisong on the West Rand.
The area where the offences took place has been classified a hotspot for rapes and robberies, with police warning residents to be vigilant when walking in the area.
Police spokesman Warrant Officer Solomon Sibiya said they have embarked on awareness campaigns to teach people about the dangers of walking alone at night, especially in deserted areas.
"The area where the offences took place is not safe and we have been constantly warning people from walking there. We advised residents of Tshepisong that if they use that spot they must walk in groups because it is dark and under tall trees," he said.
Two weeks ago, while police were on an operation near the spot, they saw two suspicious looking men hiding weapons on their persons.
"As we were about to corner them, the suspects saw us and threw their firearms on the ground and fled. We managed to recover two unlicensed firearms," he said.
On March 19, a 20-year-old woman was robbed and raped by six armed men. Sibiya said the victim was from a shopping mall carrying groceries when she saw six men walking behind her.
"One of the men quickly ran and grabbed her by her neck demanding money and a cellphone. The others joined, they pushed her to the ground and the victim fought back. The suspects tore her clothes and underwear and raped her."
Sibiya said last Sunday, two women were walking in the same spot when they were attacked by seven men who repeatedly raped them before fleeing.
ntwagaes@sowetan.co.za
Police launch a hunt for gangs of rapists
Kagiso police have launched a manhunt for gangs of rapists that have been terrorising vulnerable women in the area .
This month alone, three women were gang-raped by two gangs who pounced on them while walking in Tshepisong on the West Rand.
The area where the offences took place has been classified a hotspot for rapes and robberies, with police warning residents to be vigilant when walking in the area.
Police spokesman Warrant Officer Solomon Sibiya said they have embarked on awareness campaigns to teach people about the dangers of walking alone at night, especially in deserted areas.
"The area where the offences took place is not safe and we have been constantly warning people from walking there. We advised residents of Tshepisong that if they use that spot they must walk in groups because it is dark and under tall trees," he said.
Two weeks ago, while police were on an operation near the spot, they saw two suspicious looking men hiding weapons on their persons.
"As we were about to corner them, the suspects saw us and threw their firearms on the ground and fled. We managed to recover two unlicensed firearms," he said.
On March 19, a 20-year-old woman was robbed and raped by six armed men. Sibiya said the victim was from a shopping mall carrying groceries when she saw six men walking behind her.
"One of the men quickly ran and grabbed her by her neck demanding money and a cellphone. The others joined, they pushed her to the ground and the victim fought back. The suspects tore her clothes and underwear and raped her."
Sibiya said last Sunday, two women were walking in the same spot when they were attacked by seven men who repeatedly raped them before fleeing.
ntwagaes@sowetan.co.za