A 17- year-old Beit Bridge girl was gang-raped by three unknown suspects in a bushy area in the Dulibadzimu suburb of the border town, police have said.

Police spokesperson Sgt Loveness Mangena said the incident occurred on Thursday night near the Mfelandawonye houses. “The victim was coming from a nearby kiosk where she had bought salt. She was on her way home when one of the suspects confronted her. The suspect, who was brandishing a knife, then forced the young woman to the bushy area, where the two other suspects were hiding,” she said. "On arrival, the three men held the girl the whole night and took turns to rape her until the following morning. They then fled the scene, leaving the girl unconscious,” Mangena said.

The victim later regained consciousness and went home. She informed her parents and a report was made to the police. Mangena said the girl was taken to Beit Bridge District Hospital for a medical examination. She said no arrests had been made, adding that investigations were underway.

“We have since launched a manhunt for the three suspects and we are also appealing to anyone with information that could lead to their arrest to inform us,” she added.

Meanwhile, the local police have since launched an awareness campaign, following an increase in the number of rape cases in the area. Mangena said the programme was launched last week. The campaign has so far covered Mpoengs and Lutumba village.