A 25-year-old woman and a 33-year-old man from Oyco in Phola appeared before Ogies Magistrate’s Court, facing charges of alleged child grooming and statutory rape.
The pair appeared on January 8.

The mother of the minor told police that her 15-year-old child had been coerced into sexual activities.
According to the Mpumalanga provincial SAPS spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, the child was allegedly instructed and persuaded to engage in sexual acts with several men, accept money from them, and share a portion of the proceeds.

Ndubane further said the minor was allegedly paid R100 to have intercourse with a 33-year-old man. Later that same day, the victim was allegedly coerced again – this time with the woman’s purported boyfriend, who promised payment at a later stage.

*Media Statement Issued by the Office of the Provincial Commissioner in Mpumalanga*

For Immediate Release

To: All Media

*WOMAN AND ALLEGED BOYFRIEND ARRESTED FOR CHILD GROOMING AND STATUTORY RAPE*

*Nelspruit: 07 January 2026 –* A 25-year-old woman and her alleged…

— GCIS_Mpumalanga (@GCISMpumalanga) January 7, 2026

Both suspects were arrested on January 6, and they made their first court appearance on January 8, facing charges relating to the exploitation of a minor. They will make their second appearance on January 14; however, they remain in custody.

READ MORE HERE: Siyanqoba rape and robbery suspect set to appear in court

The acting provincial commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the arrest of the suspects and expressed his disappointment, noting that the woman who should have been protecting the girls had exploited them for financial gain.
He further urged parents to be vigilant and look after their children, emphasising that people can be cruel.

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