Limpopo Cop Wanted for Rape Hangs Himself to Evade Arrest

THABO MONYELA|May 29, 2025

SUICIDE: Limpopo Police officer wanted on allegations of raping a 17-year-old girl has committed suicide by hanging himself with a rope at his home in Ditshosing village just outside Giyani. Photo: Supplied

A 45-year-old police officer in Limpopo who was wanted on allegations of raping a 17-year-old girl has committed suicide by hanging himself with a rope at his home in Ditshosing village just outside Giyani.

According to the Limpopo Police provincial spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, a police sergeant who cannot be named at this stage allegedly raped a 17-year-old female on Sunday, 25 May 2025, at Ditshosing village.

On Monday, the 17-year-old teenager opened a rape case against the said police officer attached to the Ditshosing police services at the Hlanganani station.

During the media briefing on Wednesday, 28 May, the Limpopo provincial commissioner of police, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, said after hearing the incident, she then instructed the Police to make a swift arrest against their colleague.

CAUTION: Limpopo SAPS provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has cautioned members of the police service involved in perpetrating violence against women and children that their days are numbered. Photo: SAPS

On Tuesday evening, the rape accused officer was found dead at his home by his wife.

“At about 19:00, police were alerted about a male who committed suicide inside the house and rushed to the area. Upon arrival, they found a woman alleged to be the wife of the victim who pointed out the lifeless body of a 43 year-old male.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased was a wanted suspect in connection with a rape incident of a 17 year-old female victim committed on Sunday, 25 May 2025 at Ditshosing village under Bolobedu policing area,” Colonel Ledwaba revealed.

The provincial commissioner has cautioned members of the police service involved in perpetrating violence against women and children that their days are numbered.

“I would like to caution the members of the police that this type of behaviour is unacceptable and anyone found to be perpetrating violence against women and children will be subjected to a Criminal Justice System irrespective of social standing.

“The police will leave no stone unturned against perpetrators of this heinous crime. It is unacceptable that this member evaded arrest by taking his own life abruptly due to failure to take accountability for his shameful deeds!,” added Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.