Cape Town – Police in Limpopo have launched a widespread search for a 34‑year‑old man believed to be linked to two separate rape cases involving schoolgirls, as authorities urge the public to assist with information that could lead to his arrest.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Burgersfort Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit identified Bonginkosi Kgopotso Mazibuko as a key suspect in both incidents that occurred in the Mecklenburg policing area of the Sekhukhune District.
“The Burgersfort Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit is seeking public assistance to trace Bonginkosi Kgopotso Mazibuko, whose presence is believed to be crucial to the ongoing investigation,” police said.
In the first reported incident on 24 October 2022, police said a 17‑year‑old girl was walking to school when a silver Volkswagen Polo allegedly stopped in front of her.
“The suspect allegedly pointed a firearm at the teenager and forced her into the vehicle,” Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said in a statement.
The victim was driven to an isolated area in Ga‑Mathipa village, where the suspect “ordered her to undress, took photographs of her and raped her inside the vehicle.” She was later dropped off at a main road, where a passing motorist assisted her before she reported the matter to her grandmother, police said.
RT #sapsLIM Burgersfort #sapsFCS Unit is seeking public assistance to trace a 34yr-old male suspect. The police believe that Bonginkosi Kgopotso Mazibuko can assist in the investigation of two rape incidents involving two minors.
The rape incidents were committed at separate… pic.twitter.com/LK7NTxMyuL
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) January 21, 2026
Police said a second attack took place on 18 November 2024, when a 12‑year‑old girl was allegedly stopped by the same vehicle and forced into it at gunpoint. “Police said intensive investigations, including forensic DNA analysis, positively linked the suspect to both cases,” authorities noted, adding that the same modus operandi appears to have been used in both incidents.
Police reported that the second victim was also driven to bushes near a local mine and raped inside the vehicle before being left near her school. A rape case was opened immediately, and authorities have been working to track the suspect since.
A massive manhunt is currently underway, with police believing the suspect may be residing in Mkhuhlu under the Calcutta policing area in Mpumalanga. Investigators have appealed directly to the public for assistance.
“Anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Letsatsi Mojalefa, on 076 140 5379, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, the nearest police station, or submit tips via the MySAPS App,” police said.
Police have stressed that if Mazibuko is seen, members of the public should not approach him due to the seriousness of the offences. Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate and pursue leads in the search for the suspect.
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
