LIMPOPO – Lt Genl Nneke Ledwaba, the Provincial Police Commissioner, says it is sad to see that sexual violence is still frequently perpetrated against women and children, especially during 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.

This after a 17-year-old girl was reportedly raped by a 42-year-old pastor from Mavambe village in Malamule outside Giyani. The pastor was arrested on 10 December and appeared in the Malamulele Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

It is believed that the 17-year-old girl used to visit the pastor’s house frequently. She visited him on the said day at around 14:00 and was invited into his study room. The pastor claimed to have envisioned that the girl would be attacked by evil spirits and offered her a cold drink to get rid of the demons.

According to Police Spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo, the girl felt drowsy after she drank the cold drink and that is when the pastor dragged her to the children’s bedroom where he raped her.

The victim told her parents when she arrived at home and the incident was reported to the police. The pastor was arrested shortly after the incident and a case of rape was opened.

“Members of the community, especially parents and guardians, are advised and encouraged to strengthen child safety at all times to prevent or avoid this type of incidents from occurring,” said Mojapelo.

The pastor is set to appear again on 18 December and remains in custody.

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