On Tuesday, police located one of the suspects at Bellview village. The man was found in possession of one of the mobile phones which were stolen from the college students.

“He was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for the possession of the cellphone and was arrested on the spot. Further information led members to another address where the second African male was discovered. Upon searching his house, multiple cellphones and a bank card belonging to one of the victims were found hidden under the bed,” said Mashaba.

The second man was also arrested for possession of suspected stolen property. Both suspects are detained at Bolobedu police station in Limpopo.

Police said mobile phones belonging to the robbed students have been positively identified.

“Police are urging the community around Bolobedu policing area who have lost or were robbed of their cellphones to come forward to identify them or to contact the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Dalton Makhubela on 082 414 6043 or 082 414 2953. They can also visit the Bolobedu police station,” said Mashaba.

Meanwhile, provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has applauded the investigating team “for their sterling job in ensuring that perpetrators of sexual violence are brought to book to face the full might of law”.

Last month, IOL reported that a 60-year-old man from Limpopo was sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape and prolonged abuse of his stepdaughter, following a harrowing trial at the Groblersdal Regional Court.

At the time, Limpopo police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the court heard that the abuse began in 2001 when the victim was just 11 years old.

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

IOL