The community of Ezakheni E-Section has expressed shock and anger following rape allegations involving a five-year-old child. A man who is known in the area is allegedly linked to the incident.

Child goes missing

According to reports from the community, the child was reported missing on Sunday afternoon (October 4) and was found the next morning at the suspect’s home. It is alleged that the man raped the child throughout the night.

Child’s mother tells her story

The victim’s mother confirmed the incident to the Ladysmith Gazette, saying the child went missing on Sunday. She said they searched everywhere and even questioned the suspect, who denied having any knowledge of the child’s whereabouts. “On Monday, one of our neighbours told us we must approach the suspect’s house. When we got there, I pushed the door forcefully until it opened. I then saw my child lying on the bed, naked. When we checked her, we found that she had been raped.”

The mother then went to Ezakheni Police Station to open a case. According to her, the man was apprehended by police on Monday evening.

Police confirm arrest

Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Basheer Khan confirmed that a suspect has been arrested. “Police are investigating a case of rape and kidnapping after it was discovered that a five-year-old girl had been kidnapped and raped in Ezakheni E-Section. A 39-year-old suspect has been arrested and will appear in the Ezakheni Magistrate’s Court in due course,” said Khan.

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