A 54-year-old man has been arrested after four young girls, aged between seven and nine, were allegedly raped in Manoge village, Seleteng.
The incident reportedly took place on Thursday, 16 April, between 9am and 11am.
According to police spokesperson Malesela Ledwaba preliminary investigations, the children had been playing together before visiting the suspect’s home, located a few houses away. It is alleged that the man took two of the children into his house, where he raped them, before later calling in the remaining two children and raped them as well.
“After his deeds, he allegedly threatened the victims not to inform their parents about what happened.”
Ledwaba revealed that the matter came to light when the grandmother of one of the victims noticed unusual behaviour and questioned the children. They then disclosed the incident, and their mothers immediately reported the matter to police.
The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit in Lebowakgomo acted swiftly, leading to the arrest of the suspect.
Ledwaba confirmed the arrest and said investigations are ongoing.
“The swift response by our FCS unit ensured that the suspect was apprehended without delay. We urge communities to remain vigilant and report any suspected abuse involving children,” he said.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Lebowakgomo Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 20 April, facing four counts of sexual assault.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Thembi Hadebe, condemned the incident and welcomed the arrest.
“It is disturbing to learn that people who are supposed to be entrusted with protecting and looking after the children, some tend to be perpetrators, and we will stop at nothing to make sure such people face the full might of the law,” she said.
Hadebe also urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of children at all times.
The Star