LIMPOPO – The members of SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit in Tzaneen, Mopani District have arrested a 43-year-old man in connection with the alleged rape of his 9-year-old stepdaughter in the Maake policing precinct.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said “The suspect, who has been on the run since the incident on April 9, was traced to his hideout in the Mokwakwaila policing area in the early hours of Friday (May 17) by members of the Mopani Tracking team and Flying Squad.”

The suspect was charged with rape and will soon appear before Lenyenye Magistrate’s Court on Monday (May 20).

Mashaba said that the suspect allegedly raped the victim in his home and fled the scene. The incident sparked mob violence where community members vandalised the suspect’s residence.

The provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has expressed deep concerns over the prevalence of such crimes against children and reiterated the SAPS’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society.

“The arrest of the suspect is a significant step towards ensuring justice for the victim and sending a strong message that such reprehensible acts will not be tolerated. Community members are also warned against taking the law into their own hands and that those who take part in this reckless behaviour will face the full might of the law,” said Hadebe.