The MW Makhubele SAPS Family Violence and Child Protection Unit in Giyani achieved major success last week when two feared rapists, who took turns in raping a 16-year-old girl, were each sentenced to life imprisonment.

Their sentencing is a sequel to an incident that occurred in 2006 in the bushes between the CBD and the township when the two took turns in repeatedly raping the girl. Hlayiseka Solly Maswanganyi (26) and Sizeka Mathebula (24) were arrested as result of cooperation between the police and the community. The police hailed the sentence as a deterrent to would-be rapists.

"The sentence will deter other would-be rapists and also supplement the efforts of fighting criminality against women and children," said Supt Moatshe Ngoepe, the spokesperson for the Mopani police.

Meanwhile, police in the area also achieved a major breakthrough by arresting 41 suspects during an ongoing operation. The suspects were arrested on a variety of charges, ranging from housebreaking, rape, assault with the aim to cause grievous bodily harm, common assault, armed robbery, intimidation, theft, bribery, malicious injury to property, possession of dagga and assault on police. Items such as hammers, a vicegrip, sjamboks, rust remover, a side cutter, screwdrivers and a Toyota Hilux bakkie were confiscated during the operation.

"This is no mean feat and we commend the work done by police and members of the community," said Ngoepe. "We are appealing to the public to continue assisting us with information when they witness any form of criminality in their area," he said. Ngoepe said police alone will not succeed in rooting out crime but, with the help of the community, the war is sure to be won. "We are still looking for partnerships with communities in order to make our environment safe and secure," he said.

The operation still continues and the arrested suspects appeared in the Giyani Magistrate’s Courts this week. Investigations are still continuing.