20/11/2025
ANOTHER YOUNG GIRL (19) ALLEGEDLY KIDNAPPED AND BRUTALLY ASSAULTED BY EX-BOYFRIEND AT DAN VILLAGE
Chauke and the suspect reportedly began dating in December 2022, and they have one child together. According to the family, the abuse began in December 2024, escalating from emotional and verbal violence to physical attack.
As South Africa continues to battle alarming levels of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), yet another disturbing incident has emerged from Nkomanini, Dan village, where a 19-year-old young woman was allegedly kidnapped, assaulted, and held hostage by her ex-boyfriend.
The victim, Xivumbeko Chauke (19), opened a case at Ritavi Police Station after she was severely beaten by the suspect, who is now on the run. Speaking to Tzaneen Voice, Chauke recounted the horrifying moments of the attack, which occurred on Monday, 17 November 2025, at her mother’s home.
“When I got out of the house that morning, I found him sitting outside waiting for me. Without saying a word, he pounced on me and started attacking me,” she said.
According to Chauke, the 27-year-old suspect accused her of being in another relationship and refused to listen to any explanation. She said she was unable to defend herself as he continued to assault her.
Chauke and the suspect reportedly began dating in December 2022, and they have one child together. According to the family, the abuse began in December 2024, escalating from emotional and verbal violence to physical attacks.
The suspect allegedly pointed a firearm at both Chauke and her mother on multiple occasions.
The family claims they attempted several times to open cases and apply for a protection order, but no progress was made.
On 18 November 2025, the situation intensified. The suspect allegedly returned to the victim’s home, beat her again, and kidnapped her forcing her to his house where he held her hostage.
The victim’s family only discovered the situation when they returned from work and noticed signs of distress. They acted quickly and managed to rescue her from the suspect’s residence.
The family says the man threatened to kill them all and burn their home if they reported him.
Community members from Dan village described the attack as one of the most disturbing incidents this month.
Witnesses say the suspect, allegedly ambushed Chauke, forced her eyes open and sprayed pepper spray into them, dragged her by her clothes, and beat her repeatedly. The young woman was left traumatised and in a critical condition following the assault at Letaba Hospital.
Police have opened a case, but the suspect remains at large. Community members say he is feared in the area, often using threats and intimidation to avoid arrest. He allegedly told the victim and her family:
The family is now pleading for urgent intervention from law enforcement before the situation turns deadly.
Anyone with information that can assist in locating the suspect is urged to contact their nearest police station or call MYSAPS Crime Stop on 0800 10 111.
