According to a police report, the incident happened on Sunday, September 24. The victim’s stepfather (42), a government official, as well as the girl’s mother (46), who reportedly assisted the perpetrator in committing the crime, were arrested at their home on Monday, September 25. The couple was arrested after the victim reported the matter to the police and a case of rape was opened and transferred to the Phalaborwa Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for further investigation.

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It is alleged that when the victim refused to sleep with her stepfather, both suspects assaulted her and forcibly took her to the bedroom where the perpetrator raped her while her own mother pinned her down. The suspects made their first court appearance on Tuesday, September 26, and were remanded in custody. On Monday, October 2, they were each granted R2000 bail. Their case was postponed to November 24 for further investigation.

The identity of the suspects cannot be disclosed in order to protect the victim. The provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe, has strongly condemned the incident. “The alleged behaviour of the parents against their own child is shameful and disturbing. Parents and guardians are tasked to raise their children to become responsible future parents. Children deserve to be protected and never be abused by anyone, including their parents,” concluded Hadebe.