Limpopo police have arrested a 45-year-old man for allegedly raping his stepdaughter, who is eight years old.
According to law enforcement authorities, the man was arrested over the weekend for repeatedly sexually abusing the minor after the mother left him to take care of the child.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the sexual abuse occurred on multiple occasions at their residence in Sekgakgapeng, Mahwelereng.
Police say the suspect sexually molested his stepdaughter between May and June.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the victim’s mother was away for many days for therapy due to ill-health.
“On Thursday, June 13, 2024, the mother returned home, and the victim informed her that her stepfather had raped her and threatened to murder her if she told anybody.
“She took the child for medical attention at a local hospital, and doctors confirmed penetration. Police were notified, and a case of rape was opened,” said Ledwaba
The suspect has since been arrested.
“He is expected to appear before Mokerong Magistrate’s Court in Mokopane on Tuesday, 18 June 2024.”
The provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, condemned the incident and applauded the police for swiftly arresting the suspect.
Meanwhile, commenting on the rate of rape and gender-based violence in the country, Thoko Budaza who is the Executive Director of POWA, an NPO that undertakes campaigns, projects and research related to violence against women in Africa, said their organisations are struggling to reach many people because of the areas they cover and lack of funding.
“We receive phone calls daily of women and children seeking help, but we can only assist so much. Non-Profit Organisations are battling and what is sad is that the public is suffering.
“I may not have access to the latest statistics now but I can tell you that in the past two months, the number of women and children who got raped and killed has increased,” said Budaza.
“We are struggling to be there for our clients and victims of abuse. This is a crisis that affects substance abuse shelters, old age homes and orphanage homes.”
