By Staff Reporter
MALAMULELE – Police in Malamulele, under the Vhembe District, have launched a manhunt for three armed suspects following a brutal house robbery and rape that occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, 28 October 2025, between 00:00 and 01:00.
According to police reports, a 35-year-old woman was asleep at her home in Malamulele when three men, one armed with a firearm, allegedly broke into her house. The suspects demanded money at gunpoint, and when the victim indicated she had none, they assaulted and raped her before robbing her of valuable items.
The stolen items include three laptops, three cellphones, and a white Nissan Hardbody NP300 bakkie registration number HGK 778 L, which the suspects used to flee the scene.
The total value of the stolen property is estimated at R459 000.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba confirmed that a case of house robbery, rape, and assault has been opened, and investigations are underway to track down the perpetrators.
“We are appealing to community members who may have any information about the whereabouts of these suspects or the stolen vehicle to come forward and assist the police in their investigation,” said Brigadier Mashaba.
The direction in which the stolen vehicle fled remains unknown.
Anyone with information that may assist in the arrest of the suspects is urged to contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Soza Nkwinika, on 082 319 9724, call the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS App to submit anonymous tips.
Police have condemned the incident and vowed to intensify efforts to curb violent crimes targeting women in the area.
