POLOKWANE – The Limpopo provincial government reiterates its commitment to working alongside law enforcement and the judiciary to combat crimes against children and foster a safe environment for all.

Their remarks follow the arrest of a 28-year-old man who faces a charge of statutory rape after impregnating a 13-year-old girl in the Seshego policing area.

The girl gave birth to a baby boy on Christmas Day after medical tests confirmed she was eight months pregnant in November.

“According to reports, the victim and the suspect met at a shopping complex in Seshego in January and began communicating before they became intimate in May. The girl only revealed the incident to her aunt after experiencing complications,” police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says.

The police were informed about the incident and a case of statutory rape was registered for further investigation.

“The suspect was swiftly arrested by the Seshego Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit on Thursday, (December 26).

The provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Hadebe emphasized that the police will not tolerate inhumane acts and urged parents to protect their children at all times.

She further stressed that cases of a similar nature where children are sexually molested will be investigated throughout the province and perpetrators brought to book to face the full might of the law.

The Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba expressed her gratitude for the prompt action taken by the police.

“We welcome this quick response by the SAPS after the hospital raised concern over the 13-year-old giving birth. It is now our responsibility to ensure that the judiciary acts according to the extent of the crime. Statutory rape is visible in many parts of our province, and we need to bring to a close such a sad chapter.”

Ramathuba emphasised the importance of protecting children’s rights and ensuring justice.

“The man is in custody in Seshego and will soon make an appearance in court. We must remain vigilant and committed to preventing such heinous acts in our communities,” she added.