Suspect up for alleged rape of primary school learner

A 31-year-old suspect was expected to appear in the Lenyenye Magistrate’s Court on Monday in connection with the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl at Maake in Tzaneen area last Thursday.
Provincial Police Communications Head Motlafela Mojapelo indicated that the incident had sparked unrest in the area resulting in several spaza shops being damaged and looted. The Public Order Policing Unit (Pops) were called in to calm the situation.
Mojapelo remarked that the victim allegedly left home at about 07:00 to attend school. When her mother left home about an hour later she met with her daughter along the road and questioned her about not being at school.
The girl then alleged that on her way to school she had visited a local spaza shop but was reportedly raped by the owner who paid her R20 not to report the incident, according to Mojapelo.
The mother immediately reported the incident to the Police who made the arrest.
Mojapelo remarked that the incident also sparked unrest in the area and several foreign-owned shops were damaged and looted. The Public Order Policing Unit (Pops) were called in to calm the situation, according to Mojapelo.
An update on the suspect’s court appearance was not available at the time of going to print.
Meanwhile, Transport and Community Safety MEC Dickson Masemola has extended his condolences to the family of a seven-year-old girl who passed away last Thursday while being treated for her injuries at the Polokwane Provincial Hospital after she had allegedly been raped in the Nebo area earlier.
Departmental Spokesperson Joel Seabi indicated that the suspect who is now also facing a charge of murder was expected to appear in the Nebo Magistrate’s Court the same day.
Masemola expressed deep sorrow, shame and anger about the incident that occurred at the same time as similar incidents that happened recently in the province.
“This really saddens us and puts us in a very bad light as a province and as men who are supposed to be loving, caring and protective of the young ones and women in society. I wish to send heartfelt condolences to the family,” he was quoted to have said.

Story: RC Myburgh
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