Makhado was rocked by a disturbing and tragic incident when a female train driver was possibly raped before she was brutally killed on Monday morning.

Ms Nare Mashamaite (48) had apparently stopped at the Makhado station to check if the train had mechanical problems, after hearing a noise coming from the train. Shortly afterwards, she was allegedly first raped and then killed by an unknown man.

Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi confirmed that Mashamaite was in the company of her assistant female driver when she was attacked.

"They were inspecting the train's carriages, one on each side, when the suspect grabbed and overpowered Ms Mashamaite," he said.

Mulaudzi said that the other woman fled the scene when she realised that something was wrong. The Makhado police were alerted and when they arrived at the scene, they discovered the body of deceased next to the train. According to Mulaudzi, the deceased might have been strangled. The possibility that she was also raped is being investigated.

No arrest had yet been made at the time of going to press.

"A search for the suspect is currently underway," Mulaudzi said.

Mashamaite is a resident of Ha-Matlala outside Polokwane. The deceased's brother, Mr Duke Mashamaite, said on Tuesday that the family was very angry following the incident.

"We want to express our extreme anger. We are shocked and devastated," he said.

Meanwhile, Makhado mayor, Cllr David Mutavhatsindi, expressed his condolences to the bereaved family. He said that the act was barbaric and inhumane.

People who can provide information that can lead to the arrest of the suspect are advised to contact the detective commander of the Makhado police, Lt Col Nemavhola, at 082 451 7154 or at the detective's standby number at 082 319 9638.

Also see:

02 July 2012 - Huge reward for information on brutal murder 

29 October 2012 - Suspect in train murder case arrested

03 May 2013 - We want justice for Nare Mashamaite