LIMPOPO – Police are investigating two separate incidents of rape involving minor children in the Vhembe and Waterberg Districts.

16-year-old boy arrested for rape

In the first case, Musina police have opened a rape investigation following an incident reported on Thursday (January 22).

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says the victim’s grandmother reported that her minor grandson was lured away by another boy from the same village while running an errand at a local shop.

“The minor victim later escaped and reported that he had been raped by a 16-year-old boy known to him,” says Ledwaba.

As the suspect is a minor, he was arrested and is being dealt with in terms of the Child Justice Act under the supervision of a probation officer.

Lephalale case opened after pregnancy confirmation

In a separate incident in Lephalale, police are investigating a rape case involving a minor girl. The case relates to an incident that occurred in an informal settlement on November 15 last year.

Ledwaba says the case was only opened on Thursday (January 22) after the child’s mother discovered her daughter was pregnant. Medical assessments confirmed the pregnancy, which legally required the opening of a criminal case.

The suspect, who is said to be the victim’s boyfriend, has not yet been arrested as investigations continue.

Authorities urge immediate reporting of abuse

Provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has strongly condemned crimes against children and reiterated the SAPS commitment to protecting minors.

“Communities must report any form of abuse or sexual offences against children without delay,” said Hadebe.

Police investigations into both incidents are ongoing.