Three primary school friends’ game of soccer on the way home ended abruptly when three male youths accosted them, grabbed two of them and raped them in the open veld in Ext. 11 on 28 September.
Const. Kelebogile Trom, Ikageng SAPS spokesperson says the mothers of the victims have opened dockets. According to her, the incident happened just after 15:00 on a Wednesday. ‘While they were kicking the ball around, the three unknown youths showed up and wanted to take the ball they were playing with. They tried to run away with the ball but the strangers managed to catch up with two of them – the other one got away,’ she reported.
The youths took them into the bush nearby and started sodomising them. The one who raped the 10-year-old ordered him to have oral sex with him and the boy bit him and ran away, leaving his 11-year-old friend behind, she said.
Trom says the mother of the 11-year-old only found out when her son confided in her about another incident that took place that day. While they were sitting outside their home, her son pointed out a boy who had stolen his shoes. The mother followed the boy and marched him back to her house. The son then revealed that it was not only his shoes that had been taken that day.
The suspects’ identities are still unknown at this stage but Trom has confirmed that the police are investigating a case of rape.
She urges parents to pay attention to their children’s behaviour and enquire about their daily activities. ‘Some victims are afraid to tell their parents about a crime that is committed against them. Parents must also advise their children not to play far from home,’ she said.
Trom says it is also important to educate your children about indecent assault and crimes that must always be reported.
