Polokwane – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo has launched an intensive manhunt for two armed suspects linked to a series of violent house robberies, rapes, and an attempted murder in Hoveni village, Maake policing area, between Friday night, 9 May, and the early hours of Saturday, 10 May 2025.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the suspects targeted seven households in a coordinated crime spree from 23:30 Friday to 02:00 Saturday.
Armed with firearms, they broke into homes, stole cash and cellphones, and committed multiple violent crimes, including the rape of minors aged 14 and 15.
In one incident, a male victim was shot multiple times and remains hospitalised.
#sapsLIM Police in Limpopo have launched an intensive manhunt for two armed suspects responsible for a series of violent house robberies and sexual assaults at Hoveni village in the Maake policing area between 9 May and 10 May 2025. Anyone with information on the suspects to… pic.twitter.com/5zSvrh4SA9
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) May 11, 2025
The suspects also face charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and firing multiple shots during the attacks.
Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Limpopo, condemned the “heinous” crimes, describing them as an attack on the community’s safety and dignity.
“What we have witnessed in Hoveni village is an attack not just on individual families, but on the safety and dignity of our entire community,” said Hadebe.
“I have directed our most experienced detectives to prioritise this case and ordered the deployment of additional specialised units to the area. These dangerous criminals will be found and they will face the full might of the law.”
Forensic teams have recovered evidence, including empty cartridges, from the crime scenes.
Hadebe called the suspects’ actions “deeply disturbing”, noting their disregard for human life, particularly in targeting vulnerable women and children.
Police urge anyone with information to contact Warrant Officer Phaladi Makola at 082 749 2233, Colonel Richard Boshomane at 079 894 5501, Crime Stop at 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS App.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
