A 21-year-old lady was allegedly raped by ten “gangsters” over two days. Three suspects have already been apprehended in connection with the event, while the other 7 are still on the loose.
Captain Stephen Thakeng, a spokesperson for the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Free State, said the victim entered her apartment – a leased room in Meloding – at around 22:00 on January 28.
Ten known guys, including her boyfriend, barged into the room armed with knives as soon as she walked in.
“They took turns in raping her and the same suspects came the following day on 29 January 2022 at 20:00,” said the police spokesperson.
The suspects sexually assaulted the victim again on the 29th.
A rape case was opened by the Lejweleputswa District FCS and an intelligence-driven operation led to arrests on Tuesday, 8 February.
Members of the Welkom Public Order Policing Reaction Team and Crime Intelligence tracked down three suspects – aged 25, 29 and 30 – and apprehended them for the rape.
A manhunt for the seven other suspects is underway. The alleged rapists are expected to appear before the Virginia Magistrate’s Court imminently.