Africa-Press – South-Africa. A 32-year-old man who was arrested for a farm murder in Limpopo has also been charged in connection with the gang rape of five women at a funeral parlour in Malipsdrift in September.
The man had initially been arrested for the October murder of a farmer in Roedtan, Limpopo.
As the investigation progressed, alleged links between the man and the Malipsdrift gang rapes and robberies were made, according to police spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo.
News24 previously reported that five women had been raped, one man had been shot, and six others had been assaulted when armed men stormed into two funeral parlours in September.
Mojapelo said at the time that the gunmen first kidnapped two women who were walking along the R37 road to visit a friend who worked at Wisani Burial Society. Upon their arrival at the funeral parlour, the gunmen shot and wounded one employee.
They then proceeded to a second funeral parlour, where three women and six men were working. They allegedly used the butts of their firearms to assault the men until the men became unconscious, Mojapelo.
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All five women were gang raped and robbed of their cellphones and other belongings. Some of the women were also assaulted, Mojapelo added.
The gunmen fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.
Mojapelo said: “The suspect was arrested in Mankweng policing area during an intelligence-driven operation that was conducted by the members of the Provincial Tracking Team, Crime Intelligence, and Limpopo Highway Patrol Team. The police are still searching for the other suspects.”
The man appeared in the Thabamoopo Magistrate’s Court in Lebowakgomo last Friday on five charges of rape, three of kidnapping, one of attempted murder and one of business robbery.
He will remain in custody until his next court appearance on Friday.
Anyone who has information that will lead to the arrest of the remaining suspects can contact Lieutenant Colonel Lehlagane Mamadisa on 079 894 5482, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or the nearest police station. Information can also be reported via the My SAPS app.
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