he Hopetown Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit is appealing to the community for assistance in tracing three unidentified men who may be able to assist with an investigation into the alleged rape of a 19-year-old woman.
The incident reportedly occurred on 30 June 2026 at approximately 15:00 on the R385 gravel road between Hopetown and Belmont.
It is believed that the victim was travelling from Hopetown to Douglas when she accepted a lift from three unknown men.
During the journey, the driver allegedly stopped the vehicle and informed the victim that they had experienced mechanical problems.
The three men exited the vehicle, leaving the victim inside. One of the men subsequently returned to the vehicle and allegedly raped the victim. Thereafter, a second man also entered the vehicle and allegedly raped her while the remaining man stood outside.
Following the incident, the suspects allegedly abandoned the victim at the scene before driving away.
She reported the matter to Belmont SAPS, where a rape case was registered.
Anyone who may be able to identify the three men depicted in the attached identikits is urged to contact Detective Constable Lutsha Sweli on 065 806 8100, Hopetown FCS Commander Captain Aretha Classen on 082 328 9467 or Hopetown SAPS on 053 203 7200.
Alternatively, information can be reported to the nearest police station, the SAPS #CrimeStop number on 08600 10111, or anonymously via the #MySAPSApp.
Crime