Two suspects are expected to appear in the Phalaborwa Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo on Friday, June 12, on charges of statutory rape involving a 14-year-old girl.
The arrests were made separately on Wednesday, June 10, by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit after the victim’s father discovered the alleged abuse and reported it to the authorities.
According to police, the child’s father reported the matter.
“According to information available at this stage, the victim’s father became concerned after noticing that his daughter was regularly being dropped off at home by an unknown male. Upon further inquiry and examination of information on the victim’s cellphone, he allegedly discovered communications suggesting that the minor had been involved in sexual relationships with three adult males,” police said in a statement.
The matter was immediately reported to the police, and the child was subsequently taken to the hospital for a medical examination.
The police investigation led to the arrest of the two suspects. Police confirmed efforts are underway to trace and apprehend the third suspect.
The Limpopo Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the investigating team for their commitment to ensuring the swift arrest of the suspects.
“Children are among the most vulnerable members of our society and deserve protection from all forms of abuse. We remain resolute in our efforts to ensure that perpetrators of crimes against children are arrested,” Hadebe said.
IOL
Robin-Lee Francke
iol.co.za
