A 13-year-old girl from the Waterval policing area outside Louis Trichardt is pregnant after allegedly being repeatedly raped by a 14-year-old relative, police said. The alleged abuse became known after the girl's grandmother, who had been caring for her, asked the child's mother in March to take her home after noticing changes in her behaviour.
Concerned that her daughter might be pregnant, the mother took her for a medical examination on 7 May, which confirmed that she was about five months pregnant.
Police said the girl later disclosed that she had been repeatedly raped by a 14-year-old relative living in the same household. She alleged that the abuse began in February and occurred at night.
She told investigators she tried to resist but was overpowered and threatened into remaining silent. The alleged assaults continued over several months.
The case is being investigated by the Makhado Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit. As the suspect is also a minor, the matter will be dealt with in accordance with the Child Justice Act.
Acting Limpopo provincial police commissioner Major-General Jan Scheepers described the allegations as deeply disturbing. He urged parents, guardians and community members to remain alert to signs of abuse and to report suspected cases to the police so that children can receive protection and support.