Polokwane – A 35-year-old scholar transporter was arrested on Thursday, 24 April 2025, in Mafefe village, outside Lebowakgomo in Limpopo’s Capricorn district for the alleged rape of a 5-year-old girl.
According to police spokesperson Malesela Ledwaba, the alleged assaults took place between January and March 2025.
The suspect reportedly raped the child inside his vehicle after picking her up from school.
“He reportedly dropped off other children as usual, and instead of taking the victim straight home, he allegedly raped her inside the vehicle.
#sapsLIM A 35yr-old scholar transporter was arrested on Thursday afternoon, 24/04 in Mafefe Village in the Malipsdrift policing precinct outside Lebowakgomo, Capricorn Distict for alleged rape of a 5yr-old girl. The incident allegedly occurred between January and March 2025 in… pic.twitter.com/NdwMPVr35o
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) April 25, 2025
“The suspect allegedly threatened the child not to report the incident, but she finally disclosed to her grandmother during the Easter weekend,” Ledwaba said.
A rape case was opened and transferred to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit, leading to the suspect’s arrest on Thursday.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Major General Samuel Manala, condemned the incident, describing it as “shocking” and highlighting the ongoing torment of innocent children by “heartless criminals”.
He urged parents and guardians to support children in reporting abuse to ensure perpetrators are held accountable.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Thabamoopo Magistrate’s Court soon, facing a rape charge.
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Compiled by Anda Tolibadi
