Fourth suspect arrested in Phiphidi rape case as SAPS FCS doubles down
The Thohoyandou SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit has arrested a fourth suspect in connection with a rape case in Phiphidi Village. The 25-year-old was detained in the Thohoyandou central business district on Friday, 3 April, 2026. He joins three other suspects, including 36-year-old Makonde Rambuda, who have already been remanded in custody as the investigation continues.
Introduction
The Thohoyandou SAPS FCS unit has reported the arrest of a fourth suspect in a rape case linked to Phiphidi Village. The 25-year-old male was arrested in the Thohoyandou CBD on Friday, 3 April 2026, and is expected to be linked with the ongoing investigation alongside earlier arrestees, including Makonde Rambuda, aged 36, who has been remanded in custody.
Detailed list
- Police unit: SAPS (South African Police Service) FCS unit, Thohoyandou
- Crime type: rape
- Suspect 4: male, age 25, arrested in the Thohoyandou CBD on Friday, 03/04/2026
- Previously arrested suspect mentioned: Makonde Rambuda, age 36
- Rambuda status: remanded in custody (remanded) in relation to the case
- Location of incident: Phiphidi Village, Limpopo province
- Outcome: Suspects remanded and ongoing investigation by the SAPS FCS unit
- Public communications: updates published by SAPS on official channels; has shared arrest details including photos via social media
- Source of information: official Twitter update from SA Police Service (@SAPoliceService)
Simple summary of the story
The SAPS FCS unit in Thohoyandou has arrested a fourth suspect, a 25-year-old man, in connection with a rape case in Phiphidi Village. The arrest occurred on Friday, 3 April 2026, in the Thohoyandou CBD. He joins three other suspects who have already been detained, including Makonde Rambuda, 36, who has been remanded in custody. The investigation is being led by the SAPS FCS team, with information released through the official SAPoliceService Twitter account. This marks a continued effort by the police to pursue individuals connected to the crime and bring them to justice. For more context and ongoing updates, you can view the original post on the SAPoliceService Twitter page and follow related local news coverage.
Source update: source.
For more stories like this, see City of Thohoyandou news.
Frequently asked questions
- Q: When was the fourth suspect arrested? A: Friday, 03/04/2026.
- Q: Where was the suspect arrested? A: In the Thohoyandou CBD.
- Q: What is the nature of the crime? A: Rape in connection with the case in Phiphidi Village.
- Q: Who is Makonde Rambuda? A: He is a 36-year-old suspect previously arrested and remanded in custody in relation to the same case.
- Q: Which unit is handling this case? A: The Thohoyandou SAPS FCS unit (Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences).
- Q: How many suspects have been arrested so far? A: At least four, including the fourth suspect announced on 3 April 2026.
- Q: Where can I find more information? A: Check the official SAPoliceService Twitter update and local news pages such as City of Thohoyandou News.
- Q: Are the suspects still in custody? A: Yes, the suspects are remanded in custody as the investigation continues.
- Q: How can the public stay informed? A: Follow official SAPS communications and local news outlets for ongoing updates.
