LIMPOPO – An 18-year-old Grade 12 learner from Mankweng has been arrested and charged with rape following allegations that he impregnated a 15-year-old girl.

The alleged offence occurred in December 2025, when the suspect was 17 years old.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says the victim did not report the incident initially due to fear.

The case was opened by the girl’s mother after she noticed behavioural changes and later discovered her daughter was pregnant.

According to the victim’s statement, the suspect dragged her to a shack where the rape took place.

Following an intelligence-led operation on Tuesday (January 27), members of the Mankweng Task Team and the Polokwane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit arrested the suspect.

After consultation with the Senior Public Prosecutor, the suspect was formally charged and released into the custody of his parents.

He is expected to appear in the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court once a social worker’s assessment has been completed.

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe says, “The protection of our children is paramount. I commend the mother’s courage in reporting the matter and urge communities to break the silence and report such crimes immediately.”

Police investigations are ongoing.