The Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga expresses deep concern over the recent rape incidents reported in the province.

The General raised concern after an eight-year-old girl in Belfast was allegedly raped by a 15-year-old suspect.

According to information, the incident took place during the inter-schools music activities.

The 15-year-old boy was referred to a probation officer for a report and docket taken to senior public prosecutor for decision

The incident was followed shortly by the attempted rape in one of the schools in Bushbuckridge on May 13.

A 17-year-old matric learner was an early bird when accosted by the unknown suspect.

The victim fought back and overpowered the suspect. She summoned for help, and the suspect took to his heels.

The investigation team worked tirelessly and managed to trace and arrest the suspect.

The suspect will appear before Bushbuckridge Magistrate Court today, May 14, facing charges of sexual assault.

In the third incident in Middelburg on May 4.

A 13-year-old girl was returning home after she accompanied her hair dresser around 19:00.

The victim came across two African males.

One African male, who was known to the victim, lifted her up, pulled her arm, and pushed her down.

The victim screamed for help, and it was when the mother of the victim rushed to assist her.

On arrival, the suspect released the victim.

The suspect was arrested and charged for rape.

He is expected to appear in Middelburg Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, May 15.

A 18-year-old was also rape during a house robbery in Leslie in the early hours of May 12.

The victim was pointed at with a firearm. The suspect demanded money and her cellphone.

After indicating that she neither has a cellphone nor money, she was assaulted.

The suspect unlawfully stole a computer valued at R2 000 and the victim’s sister’s jersey valued at R5 000.

No arrests have been made.

The police urge anyone with information that may assist in locating the suspect in Leslie to contact Investigating Officer Sergeant Bheki Maphanga on 071 420 0295.

Alternatively, members of the public can call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via the MySAPS app.

All information will be treated confidentially, and callers may remain anonymous. Police urge anyone with information that can assist in arresting the suspect to contact

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, has sent his gratitude to members of Family, Violence, Child Protection, Sexual Offences in arresting and promised that even other cases where suspects are not arrested the men and women in blue will work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible will be brought to book.

He also encouraged the community to work with police to report such cases and those with information to provide it so that perpetrators can be put where they belong.