Police on Monday arrested a 46-year-old man for allegedly repeatedly raping a 15-year-old girl at the Gomorrah informal settlement.
According to the Hercules police spokesperson, Captain Bonginkosi Msimango, the ordeal took place from 1 to 26 October.
“According to the information we received, the girl’s aunt usually sent her to the man to ask for paraffin and candles. The man would sleep with the girl before giving her what she came for.”
Msimango said it is believed the man would also give the girl money and told her not to tell anybody about what happened.
It is alleged the man further promised her lunch box money whereby the girl would go to him and he slept with her before giving her money.
“We are investigating the matter. The man will appear in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court soon on a charge of rape,” said Msimango.
This is the second incident reported, after another 17-year-old girl was allegedly raped by her stepfather at the same informal settlement a month ago.
A community member at Gomorrah told Rekord there are a lot of bad things happening at the informal settlement that are not reported to the police.
He said there are several children being raped at the informal settlement but the families are too afraid to say anything as they are threatened to be killed.
“We do not know how the police can help us but we need to teach the families to talk about their problems so they can get help and not be afraid,” said the person.
Msimango said the police advise residents to watch out and report on children left unattended to.
“Children are neglected due to parents’ heavy drinking and we appeal to community leaders to discuss safety and domestic violence at their meetings. This will help to identify vulnerable families, children and women.”
Msimango said community members should always be in contact with their police sector managers.
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