A 48-year-old man has been arrested for the alleged rape of a 10-year-old girl in Matswale Phase 12, Musina.
The incident is said to have occurred on Thursday, 7 May, at around 20:00. It only came to light the following day when the girl's mother noticed strange behaviour when she returned from school.
According to police reports, the child disclosed to her mother that a neighbour had followed her to the toilet, covered her mouth with his hand, and raped her. The suspect then allegedly threatened to kill her if she told anyone.
When the mother was told what had happened, she immediately reported the matter at the Musina Police Station. The victim was taken to hospital, where a medical examination confirmed sexual assault. The case was transferred to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, whose members swiftly arrested the suspect.
The accused is expected to appear in the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 11 May, on a charge of rape.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, strongly condemned the incident.
“This is a despicable act committed against an innocent child by a person who was trusted as a neighbour. No child should ever have to endure such trauma in their own community,” said Hadebe.
She added that as the country observes Child Protection Month, police remain committed to protecting children. “We will not rest until every perpetrator who preys on our children faces the full might of the law.”