A second case of statutory rape in the Vhembe region was reported by the SA Police, following allegations that a 14-year-old girl from Mutale fell pregnant.
In the first case, a suspect appeared in the Tshilwavhusiku Magistrate's Court last Thursday on a charge of rape. It is alleged that he raped his 13-year-old sister repeatedly over several months.
The abuse came to light on Tuesday, 26 May, when the girl's mother took her to a local clinic after she complained of illness and vomiting. A pregnancy test conducted during the medical consultation confirmed that the child was pregnant.
On Saturday, 30 May, the police issued a statement saying that a case of statutory rape is being investigated by the police in Mutale.
“It is reported that the matter came to light after the minor attended a local health facility, where it was established that she was pregnant. The matter was subsequently brought to the attention of the child’s guardian and the police,” the statement reads.
Preliminary information indicates that the alleged incidents occurred between September and December 2025, at one of the villages under the Mutale policing area.
The suspect has not yet been arrested.