Gang nabbed after targeting ‘parked’ lovers

DFA

Seen here are some of the broken glasses from the vehicles windows that were smashed during the alleged attacks. Picture: Liz�ll Muller

Kimberley -

Several members of a panga-wielding gang, who targeted couples looking for a deserted spot for their love-making, turning their night of passion into one of terror, have been arrested by the police.

The gang left at least one victim in intensive care unit and raped several women.

The commander of the Roodepan Police Station, Colonel Johan Hickman, said on Wednesday that in the last two months, five incidents were reported, either at the Galeshewe or Roodepan police station.

It is believed that most of the couples had chosen the secluded area in the open veld on the left-hand side of the road between Roodepan and the Barkly West intersection for a secret rendezvous with their lovers.

“The modus operandi adopted by the gang was to attack the couple while they were busy in the vehicle. Up to eight gang members would smash open the windows of the car and pull the couple out of the car,” he said.

Seen here is Captain Willie Smit pointing towards where the suspects will drive the vehicles before conducting the rest of their raid. Picture: Liz�ll Muller

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According to Hickman, the couples were robbed of all their possessions and cellphones, while their vehicles were stripped of items such as radios, CD players and the like.

One of the signature trademarks of the gang was to take the men’s wedding rings.

“The men were then pushed into the boot and the attackers drove off deeper into the veld, where the women were raped by several of the gang members. The couple were then left at the scene, often only in their underwear.”

Hickman said that in some instances, the victims were able to escape either from out of the boot or by putting up a massive fight.

“Many of them, however, were severely beaten up and at least one victim ended up in the hospital’s intensive care unit.”

In most of the incidents reported, the woman had been raped.

“Most of the victims reported to the police that they had been the victims of hijackings in order to protect themselves. However, on further investigation, it was discovered that they were victims of this gang.”

On Saturday night last week, around 11.45pm, the gang hit again.

“The incident happened near the mushroom farm and the male victim, who had been badly sliced with a panga, managed to escape from the boot of his vehicle and reported that he had been hijacked to the Roodepan police,” Hickman said.

“At the time, however, the woman that he was with and who he had left in the car, was missing and a massive search was launched because it was believed that she might have been killed.”

Police units, including the Public Order Policing Unit, Roodepan Detectives and the Dog Unit with the search and rescue dog, cordoned off the scene and fine-combed the entire area to collect evidence to trace the woman.

“Tracks leading to Lerato Park were followed, although these eventually led to a dead-end at the dirt road leading to the suburb.”

After about four hours, and with the assistance of the Local Crime Record Centre and the Special Task Team, which also took part in the tracing of the woman, the female victim was eventually found at her house, where she was very traumatised. There was also evidence of struggle marks on her body.

“It is alleged that she had been raped by three of the four men who were involved in the incident,” Hickman added.

The investigation team continued to work around the clock until Sunday evening, and with the assistance of several top police officers from various units, three suspects were eventually arrested in Lerato Park. Several cellphones were found in their possession.

The police are still looking for further suspects and it is believed that more arrests will be made soon.

“We would like to warn people not to drive into remote areas or park their vehicles in the veld in dark spots because it is extremely, extremely dangerous.

“We were just very lucky that no one was killed in any of these incidents but the victims, especially the women who had been raped, were extremely traumatised. We cannot emphasise enough how dangerous this is,” Hickman said.

“Criminals are always on the look out for opportunities to commit these crimes, especially in the veld. There is nobody near who can hear if you are screaming and can come to help if you are so deep in the veld. People’s lives are always in danger. Let us be proactive and prevent these kinds of crimes.”

Hickman also commended the team that helped him throughout the weekend to trace the suspects for a job well done.

Other victims of similar incidents are being urged to contact the investigating officer, Detective Warrant Officer W M Louw, on 053 807 5500.

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