CrimeLocal news

Minor on minor rapes shock community

Three cases of rape and sexual assault where minors are the perpetrators and the victims have left residents reeling from shock.

In Topanama village in the Maake area outside Tzaneen, a mother was left distraught after her daughter told her that she was allegedly sexually assaulted by a neighbour’s 9-year-old twin brothers. The incident allegedly happened on Thursday, March 14 while they were playing. “The victim’s mother found out about the matter after the little girl confided in her. She told her that she was assaulted by the two boys while playing,” said the police’s provincial spokesperson, Col Malesela Ledwaba.

In another incident, five boys aged between 10 and 11 allegedly gang raped a 5-year-old girl on Friday, March 15 in Makhushane village in the Phalaborwa area. Among the five boys was the girl’s brother and his friends. The mother became aware of the incident after the girl confided in her older cousin. Also in Phalaborwa, a Gr 7 learner is accused of sexually assaulting a 7-year-old girl at school.

Also read: Man sentenced to three life terms in prison for rape

According to the information from the police, the girl called her mother at work about feeling discomfort in her private area. Upon returning home, the girl told her mother that a Gr 7 learner from her school sexually assaulted her with a stick and that she was in pain. The victim was taken to the nearest hospital for medical attention and was admitted for further care and evaluation.

“All these cases were transferred to the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offenses (FCS) units in Phalabrowa and Tzaneen for thorough investigations, with the intervention of the probation officers,” added Ledwaba. Commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe, has condemned the incidents.

Also read: Rapist receives two life sentences after DNA link

“These disturbing events not only reflect a dire need for societal introspection but also call for an immediate and unified response to combat such heinous acts,” she said. She emphasised the critical role of parents and guardians in fostering environments where children are educated on respect, consent, and the importance of protecting one another from harm.

“It is imperative that we, as a society, instill values of empathy and understanding in our children. The home should be the first classroom where lessons of dignity and respect are taught,” she stated. She further urged parents and guardians to be vigilant.

Also read: Hefty sentence for serial rapist of young woman and girl in N’wamitwa

“Awareness and open conversations about personal safety, respect for oneself and others, and the understanding of boundaries are crucial components of parenting that cannot be overlooked. “We cannot turn a blind eye to these disturbing incidents. Every citizen must act against violence and abuse. Let us unite in protecting our children and building a safer, more compassionate society for all,” said Hadebe.

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Anwen Mojela

Anwen Mojela is a journalist at the Letaba Herald. She graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Journalism at the Tshwane University of Technology. Including an internship and freelancing, Anwen has four years’ experience in the field and has been a permanent name in the Herald for nearly three years. Anwen’s career highlights include a water corruption investigative story when she was an intern and delving into wildlife and nature conservation. “I became a journalist mainly to be the voice of the voiceless, especially working for a community newspaper. Helping with the bit that I can, makes choosing journalism worth it.

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