LIMPOPO – A 42-year-old Department of Correctional Services official will next appear before the Lulekani Magistrate’s Court on November 24 after he was granted bail for the rape of his 14-year-old stepdaughter.

The man and the victim’s mother (46), who is said to have assisted him in committing the crime, were arrested at their home in Lulekani outside Phalaborwa on September 25 after the victim reported the matter to the police.

You might also want to read: Young girl (14) allegedly assaulted, raped by step father

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said a case of rape was opened and transferred to the Phalaborwa Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for further investigation.

“When the victim refused to sleep with her stepfather, both suspects assaulted her and forcibly took her to the bedroom where the mother pinned her down and the perpetrator raped her,” his statement read.

The duo made their first court appearance on September 26 and were remanded in custody before re-appearing on Monday where they were each granted bail of R2000.

“The perpetrator faces a charge of rape while the victim’s mother faces a rape accomplice charge. The identity of the suspects cannot be disclosed in order to protect the victim,” Ledwaba said.

The provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe strongly condemned the incident, describing it as shameful and disturbing.

“Parents and guardians are tasked with the responsibility of raising their children in a respectful and responsible manner so that they in turn grow to the responsible future parents. All the children deserve to be protected and never be abused by anyone, including their parents,” Hadebe concluded.