TVET College
By Lerato Mpembe
Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the rape of four students at Tlharihani TVET College residence in Limpopo in February. The arrests mark a significant breakthrough in a case that has shocked the local community and drawn attention to the ongoing issue of gender-based violence in South Africa. The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo has been praised for its swift action, with the suspects now facing serious charges as the investigation continues to unfold.
Arrests Follow Intensive Police Investigation
The first suspect, an 18-year-old male, was apprehended at Bellview Village on Tuesday after police traced one of the cell phones stolen from the victims during the attack. Following this lead, a second suspect, aged 24, was also arrested and found in possession of additional stolen cell phones and bank cards. Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba confirmed that two of the recovered cell phones were positively identified as belonging to the victims.
“Two male suspects, aged 18 and 24, are expected to appear in Kgapane Magistrate’s Court on Friday for possession of suspected stolen property, four counts of rape, and business robbery committed at a student campus in one of the colleges at Phapadi in Bolobedu policing area, Mopani District,” Mashaba said in a statement. The arrests stem from an incident in February when four female students were allegedly raped and robbed at the Tlharihani TVET College residence in Mamaila village, highlighting safety concerns at educational institutions.
Third Suspect Killed by Local Community
Adding a dramatic twist to the case, a third suspect believed to be involved in the crime met a violent end. According to Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the individual was allegedly shot and killed by members of a local commission in February. The group accused him of being behind a string of robberies plaguing the area. “The provincial commissioner has noted reports that the suspect was shot and killed last week in February,” Mashaba added, referencing Hadebe’s earlier statement. While police have not yet confirmed the identity of the deceased suspect or his direct involvement, investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of his death.
Police Efforts Lauded Amid Rising Gender-Based Violence
Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, Limpopo’s Provincial Commissioner, welcomed the arrests, commending the SAPS team for their dedication. “The provincial commissioner has welcomed the arrest of the suspects, saying that the police have done a sterling job in ensuring that perpetrators of sexual violence are brought to book to face the full might of the law,” Mashaba relayed. Hadebe’s leadership has been instrumental in driving efforts to combat crime in the province, with a particular focus on protecting vulnerable groups such as students.
The arrests come at a time when South Africa continues to grapple with alarming rates of gender-based violence (GBV). According to recent reports from SABC News, over 800 suspects were arrested in Limpopo during a week-long crime crackdown earlier this month, targeting offences including robbery, assault, and sexual violence. The Tlharihani TVET College case has reignited calls for improved safety measures at educational facilities, especially after Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba raised concerns about the institution’s poor state during a visit on 4 March 2025, as reported by Capricorn FM.
Community and Government Response
The rape and robbery incident at Tlharihani TVET College sent shockwaves through the Bolobedu community, prompting outrage and demands for justice. Premier Ramathuba, during her visit, pledged to escalate the college’s security issues to the Minister of Higher Education, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, for urgent intervention. “The poor state of the Tlharihani TVET College in Bolobedu, where four students were sexually assaulted and robbed, will be escalated to the Minister of Higher Education,” she stated, according to Capricorn FM. The premier’s commitment reflects a broader push by the Limpopo government to address systemic challenges contributing to such crimes.
Local residents have also expressed mixed feelings about the death of the third suspect. While some see it as a form of community justice, others worry about the implications of vigilante actions. “We can’t keep living in fear, but we also need the law to handle these matters properly,” said a Mamaila village resident who asked to remain anonymous.
What’s Next for the Case?
The two arrested suspects are scheduled to appear before the Kgapane Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 14 March 2025. They face multiple charges, including possession of stolen property, four counts of rape, and business robbery. Meanwhile, SAPS has assured the public that investigations are far from over. “Police investigations are currently underway,” Mashaba confirmed, hinting at the possibility of uncovering additional evidence or suspects linked to the crime.
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