The South African Police Service in Limpopo arrested a 68-year-old man on Wednesday, November 28, in Maake outside Tzaneen for raping a six-year-old girl in a village near Lenyenye.

According to a media statement the suspect, who was arrested for raping a six year-old girl, has appeared before Lenyenye Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, November 29. The case was postponed to December 6 for bail application and further police investigations.

The suspect will remain in custody.

The alleged rape took place on Tuesday, November 20 around 16:00, where the suspect – the victim’s neighbour – lured her to his house and raped her.

He then offered her a packet of chips in exchange for her silence.

The parents of the child, after noticing the changes in the behavior of the victim, questioned her and she divulged the whole ordeal.

The police were immediately notified, a case of rape was opened and the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit started with their initial investigations until the suspect was arrested at his home.

The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba, has sent out a stern warning to all the perpetrators of violent and sexual crimes against women and children that their days are numbered unless they stop their heinous acts.

“Members of the community must come on board and support the Police in their endeavor to deal with all categories of gender based violence. Those who are still perpetrating this barbaric tendencies, will be dealt with mercilessly and without compromise,” concluded General Ledwaba.

Police investigations are still continuing.