Tebogo Msimanga|
The two suspects, Ababa Saluma aged 32 and David Tamusha aged 39 appeared before the Giyani Magistrate’s court on Monday, 25 January 2021 facing charges of armed robbery, kidnapping and rape that allegedly took place on Thursday, 21 January 2021 in Phalaborwa.
Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe said the suspects were arrested after a 22-year old foreign national woman employed at her cousin’s restaurant was kidnapped and allegedly raped at a lodge in Phalaborwa town. It is reported that her cousin allegedly requested one of the customers to take the victim to the house at Section two in Giyani location.
“The suspects who are Ethiopian nationals, drove from Giyani to Phalaborwa town and rented two separate rooms at a lodge. One of the suspects (Ababa Saluma), locked himself with the victim and repeatedly raped her until the next day on 22 January 2021.” Said Ngoape.
The pair were denied bail and their cases were postponed until Monday, 01 February 2021 for formal bail application and further Police investigations.
