A Mahala Park resident was arrested and charged with kidnapping and sexual assault on December 4. He appeared in the Standerton Magistrate’s Court on December 5.

Captain Braam Robberts, communications officer at the Standerton SAPS, confirmed the arrest of the 46-year-old man for kidnapping and for sexually assaulting a four-year-old child.

The mother of the child was drinking at a shop with friends on December 3, while the child was playing on the street. The mother noticed that the child was no longer in view at around 19:30.

Other children informed the mother that the little girl had gone back home on the same street as the shop. However, when the mother arrived home, she could not find her daughter.

A search party consisting of SAPS officials and community members was quickly formed. At 07:00 on the morning of December 4, they spotted the girl outside a rural home with the accused.

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Robberts said the accused denied that the girl had been there. The child quickly told her mother that the accused had bought her candy and had taken her to his house, where he kept her for the night.

The child allegedly demonstrated the actions of the accused, indicating that he had sexually assaulted her. According to the report, the girl had known the accused before the incident.

The accused is currently on bail for a similar offence. Robberts said charges might also be filed against the mother.

“Parents should act responsibly and ensure the safety of their children or face the full wrath of the law if they choose otherwise,” stated Robberts.

Numerous arrests have been made in cases related to sexual offences in the recent weeks. Although the police appreciate community involvement, prevention should be prioritised over reactive assistance.

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