Man in court for rape of 11-year-old girl in Namakgale
Members of a Namakgale community intervened and apprehended a man after witnessing him drag a child away and rape her.
LIMPOPO – 36-year-old Khali Malatji, appeared before the Namakgale Magistrate’s Court on Monday (January 26) for the arape of an 11-year-old girl.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says the incident occurred on Friday morning (January 24) in Ga-Makhushane Mbhambha, Namakgale.
“The suspect dragged the child behind a nearby spaza shop and raped her. Community members who witnessed the incident rushed to the scene, rescued the child, and apprehended the suspect,” says Ledwaba.
Police were called to the scene and the suspect was detained. He has been remanded in custody until February 3 for further investigation.
Provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the community’s swift action.
“We applaud the community for their active participation in fighting crime and protecting our children. This demonstrates the power of community partnerships with the police. I urge all communities to continue working hand-in-hand with law enforcement.”
The case is being investigated by the Phalaborwa Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.
