THEY saw a woman in need of help and tried to help her.
But their heroic act cost one of the men his life, while another one was seriously injured.
Now the police in Seshego outside Polokwane, Limpopo have launched a manhunt for the six suspects responsible for this.
The drama started when two women, aged 25 and 30, were walking home from an ATM at a filling station in Madiba Park outside Seshego on Friday, 24 February.
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They met about six unknown men who allegedly robbed them of cellphones, money and a jersey.
"One of the suspects grabbed the younger lady and pulled her into the nearby bushes and raped her," said Colonel Malesela Ledwaba in a statement.
However, the woman managed to free herself and ran to the road, calling for help. A vehicle with five occupants reportedly stopped next to her and while she was busy explaining what happened, the same suspects accosted them.
Ledwaba said they brutally hacked one of the men with a sharp object and he died at the scene. Another occupant was stabbed and seriously injured.
"The police were alerted and on arrival at the scene, they found the deceased with gapping wounds. The injured victim was taken to hospital," he said.
The suspects were reportedly speaking a foreign language and are believed to be Zimbabwean nationals.
Cases of murder, attempted murder, rape and robbery were opened and investigations are continuing.
Limpopo Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe, has ordered that these ruthless criminals be hunted down and brought to book.
Anyone with information about the suspects can contact the nearest police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
