By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za

A 35-year-old male suspect is expected to appear before the Mahwelereng Magistrate court this morning, 15 August 2023, in connection with the rape of a twelve year-old girl.

The incident took place at Masodi Informal settlement, Mozumbani under Mahwelereng policing area last week on Monday 07 August 2023.

Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the victim was allegedly walking alone to her residence when she was called by the suspect known to her that he wanted to send her to a local shop.

Ledwaba said the victim agreed and went to his house because she was used to him and upon her arrival the suspect dragged her inside the house.

“Unexpectedly, the suspect locked the door and put her on the bed and raped the victim without her consent. Afterwards, the victim was given a certain amount of money to keep her silence.

“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 or report she then report to mother who reported to the Police,” he said.

He said the mother of the victim was informed about the ordeal last week Thursday 10 August 2023.

“She immediately reported the rape incident to the Police who commenced with the search of the known suspect.

“The suspect evaded the arrest and went to Lephalale to hide until he handed himself over to the Police, accompanied by a relative yesterday on Sunday 13 August 2023,” said Ledwaba.

The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in LImpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe welcomed the arrest of the suspect.

“This man took advantage of the minor he was expected to protect, let him face the consequences of his senseless deeds,” Hadebe said.

The suspect is scheduled to appear in Mahwelereng Magistrate court on Tuesday 15 August 2023 facing charges of rape of a minor.