Police in Makumeke village, near Malamulele, Limpopo, are investigating the alleged rape of a 6-year-old girl by a 14-year-old teen.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the incident occurred on Saturday.
According to Ledwaba, the teen allegedly lured the girl into the bushes and sent her home with snacks.
The child told her mother about the snacks before complaining of pain in her private parts. Her mother rushed her to a local hospital for a medical assessment, which confirmed the rape.
‘DEEPLY DISTURBING CASE’
The mother opened a case at the Malamulele Police Station. Authorities then transferred it to the Giyani Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for further investigation.
Ledwaba said the teen was released following a brief arrest.
He is expected to be formally charged on Monday and will appear in court soon.
Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, condemned the incident.
“We are investigating this deeply disturbing case involving a vulnerable young child. The alleged sexual abuse of children strikes at the very heart of our society and will be met with the full force of the law.
Our investigators from the FCS Unit are working diligently to ensure that a thorough and comprehensive investigation is conducted. We remain committed to ensuring justice for the victim, while also protecting all children in our province from such heinous acts,” said Hadebe.
