Byline: Andani Matumba
20 March 2022
According to Brigadier Mohlala, two women, aged 30 and 38 were allegedly rapped by three (3) suspects in the church at Thulamahashe near Bushbuckridge on Friday, 18 March 2022, a church was robbed of its musical instruments as well as the Pastor’s vehicle.
The Police at Mhala have since launched a manhunt for the three suspects.
According to the information provided by the police , on the said day about 23h00 two ladies who were in a room at the church, heard a gunshot outside followed by a knock on the church door and the three male suspects, armed with a pistol, forced the door opened.
“They held the ladies at gunpoint whilst trying to find out where the pastor was.
The suspects then demanded cash and allegedly raped the ladies,” said Mohlala.
Brigadier Mohlala further added that the suspects took musical instruments of the church to the value of about R28 000, and fled the scene using a silver grey KIA Picato, belonging to the Pastor.
The police are pleading that whoever has information relating to the said robbery is requested to contact the Detective, Captain Dexter Ndlovu on 072 624 5133 or call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 and to alternatively send information via MYSAPSAPP.
The police will treat all information received as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela has urged the public to alert the authorities if they become aware of someone in possession of the robbed items.
“It is quite disturbing to learn that suspects are now targeting places of worship.
We therefore urge our communities to be vigilant and refuse to buy stolen goods.
They should rather report these criminals immediately so that they are arrested, ” said the General.
