A 35-year-old man was expected in the Mahwelereng magistrate’s court in Limpopo on Tuesday to answer to charges of raping a minor.
The suspect is linked to the rape of a 12-year-old girl at Masodi informal settlement in Mozumbani on August 7.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba the victim was walking home alone when she was called by the suspect known to her.
“He said he wanted to send her to buy something from the shop,” said Ledwaba.
“The victim agreed and went to his house because she was used to him. Upon arrival, the suspect dragged her inside and locked the door.
“He put her on the bed and raped the victim without her consent. Afterwards, the victim was given a certain amount of money to keep quiet. She was then released to go home.
“Upon arrival at home, she reported the horrendous ordeal to her older sister, who is mentally challenged.
“When the sister could not take the matter further, she then reported to mother, who reported to the rape to police.”
The police immediately conducted a search for the suspect who had fled to his hiding place in Lephalale until he handed himself over to the police on August 13, a few days after the alleged rape.
Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe, provincial police commissioner, welcomed the arrest.
“This man took advantage of the minor he was expected to protect, let him face the consequences of his senseless deeds.”
Police investigations are continuing.
Follow @SundayWorldZA on Twitter and @sundayworldza on Instagram, or like our Facebook Page, Sunday World, by clicking here for the latest breaking news in South Africa.
