In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Nzhelele community, a woman has been arrested for the alleged rape of a 16-year-old boy following a traditional ceremony over the weekend.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority in Limpopo, the 49-year-old woman was arrested after an incident on Sunday, 15 February, at around 21:30 in Mandiwana Village, which falls under the Siloam policing area.
The preliminary police report indicates that the victim’s family was hosting a traditional Malombo dance ceremony (usually performed by traditional healers) at their home. During the proceedings, the teenager was allegedly asked to accompany the suspect to her nearby residence. It is alleged that the victim was given something to drink. After drinking, the accused allegedly undressed him and raped him.
A case was opened with the South African Police Service, and the Makhado Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit immediately sprang into action, resulting in the arrest of the suspect.
The woman appeared in the Dzanani Magistrate's Court on Monday, 23 February, and the case was postponed until Friday, 27 February, for a bail application.
The unusual nature of the case, involving an older female suspect and a male minor, has drawn the attention of local gender-based violence activists, who are vowing to ensure the boy receives justice.
Tshinyadzo Madou, speaking on behalf of the Thohoyandou/Nzhelele Women and Men Against GBV organisation, stated that the group would be closely monitoring the proceedings. Madou confirmed that members of the organisation plan to attend the next court session on Friday to formally oppose any bail application.
“We won't keep quiet because this time the perpetrator is a woman. We want the young boy to get the justice he deserves, and we don't stand with what this woman did,” Madou added.