| 2025/05/16 |
Media Statement NELSPRUIT - Police have arrested a 59-year-old suspect for the rape of an 8-year-old girl in the Newstand Section of Mmametlhake on 14 May 2025. According to information received, the incident reportedly occurred at approximately 17:30, when the victim was playing in the yard with her friends. She was suddenly called over by a well-known man passing along the street, called her over, took her to a nearby spot, and raped her. After the incident, the victim returned to her friend crying. Upon arriving in the yard, she informed her friends that she had been raped by the suspect. One of her friends then went inside the house to inform her mother. The mother questioned the victim, who later reported the incident to her mother’s friend and pointed out the suspect, who was still nearby on the street close to the crime scene. Police were summoned to the scene and responded swiftly. Upon arrival, the victim identified the suspect, who was then arrested. Members of the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit are investigating the case. The suspect was arrested and charged with rape. He is expected to appear at the Mbibana Magistrate’s Court in Vaalbank today, 16 May 2025. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has strongly condemned the actions of the elderly suspect towards the minor. He stated, “We need a society that protects our children,” emphasizing that the fight against crimes targeting women and children continues.
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