Teen girl ‘raped while studying’, girlfriend ‘raped, beaten over beer money’

A 21-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl at Phaweni village in Vhembe district in Limpopo on Monday.

The suspect is expected to appear before the Saselamani periodical court today.

According to information from police, the girl was studying alone at her home at about 5.30pm when an unknown man forcefully invaded the house.

“He forced himself on the victim and raped her. The suspect took the victim's cellphone when he fled the scene on foot. It is reported the victim was left unconscious,” said police spokesperson Brig Hlulani Mashaba.

Mashaba said the incident was reported at Saselamani police station. A search was activated and the suspect was traced and arrested on Tuesday.

He said the case docket for rape was transferred to the Malamulele family violence, child protection and sexual offences unit for further investigation. 

In a separate incident, Ritavi police have launched a manhunt for a man who allegedly raped and assaulted his girlfriend on Sunday at Mariveni village outside Tzaneen in Mopani district. 

“It is alleged the victim, a 27-year-old female, was at her boyfriend's home at Mariveni village on Sunday at about 7pm when the boyfriend asked her for money to buy beer. It is alleged the victim gave her boyfriend R75 and the boyfriend fought with the victim, saying it was too little,” Mashaba said. 

Mashaba said the man allegedly forced himself on the victim, raped her and then forced her to wash herself.

While he was outside, the woman ran to a neighbour's house for assistance. 

She was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Mashaba said a case of rape and assault with intention to inflict grievous bodily harm is being investigated by the Tzaneen family violence, child protection and sexual offences unit.

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