Stepfather arrested for alleged rape of stepdaughter (9) in Limpopo
A man who has been on the run since early April has been apprehended by law enforcement officers.
A 43-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the rape of his nine-year-old stepdaughter.
He was arrested by members of the SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit in Tzaneen, in the Mopani District, for allegedly raping his stepdaughter in the Maake policing precinct.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba says the suspect, who has been on the run since the incident on April 9, was traced to his hideout in the Mokwakwaila policing area on Friday by members of the Mopani tracking team and Flying Squad.
He was charged with rape and was due to appear in the Lenyenye Magistrate’s Court today.
Mashaba says the suspect allegedly raped the victim in his home and fled the scene.
Community members then allegedly vandalised the suspect’s home.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe expressed concern about the prevalence of crimes against children and reiterated the SAPS’ commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
“The arrest of the suspect is a significant step towards ensuring justice for the victim and sending a strong message that such reprehensible acts will not be tolerated.
“Community members are warned against taking the law into their own hands… Those [who] take part in this reckless behaviour will face the full might of the law,” says Hadebe.
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