The search for four men who had brutally raped two women in two separate incidents was still continuing at the time of going to press. The first incident, in which a 28-year-old woman was raped by three men, took place at the Ritavi industrial area on Monday morning at about 11:00.

According to the spokesperson of the police in the Mopani area, Capt Maano Sadike, the victim was on her way to the Letaba Hospital when the incident occurred. She decided to use a footpath which goes through the Mokgolobotso bushes. In the bush, three men met her and one suddenly grabbed her hand. According to the police statement, two of the men blindfolded her, while the other one pulled her into nearby bushes. They then took turns in raping her.

While they were still busy raping the woman, they heard a noise from people who were walking in their direction. They then left the woman and ran away.

The other incident took place at the Malamulele Township on Saturday night at about 23:00. Capt Sadike said that the victim, a 63-year-old woman, was fast asleep in her house when the incident took place. The statement indicates that while she was sleeping, an unknown man broke in through the window and fell on her. He then proceeded to rape her.

The rapist left the place later in the night. The matter was reported at the Malamulele police station the following morning. No arrest had been made at the time of going to press. The police have appealed to anyone with information to contact them on 0860 010 111.