Byline: Refeloe Letsoisa
14 May 2023
On Saturday, 13 May 2023 at about 13h30, a 12-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a 40-year-old man at Leslie in the Gert Sibande District.
The tragic occurrence, which unfortunately took place in May during Child Protection Month, was reported to Leslie Police, who swiftly responded and arrested the suspect.It is alleged that the girl was playing in the street on that fatal day when she was reportedly led inside the suspect’s home by him.
According to reports, it is when the suspect allegedly took advantage of the youngster and sexually assaulted her.
The victim returned home after the incident and told her grandmother about what happened.
The police in Leslie were ultimately notified of the situation, and swiftly responded whereby the suspect was apprehended.
The case will be investigated by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS).
The suspect is expected to appear at the Leslie Periodical Court on Monday, 15 May 2023 facing a rape charge.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has strongly condemned the incident whilst applauding members who responded swiftly thereby arresting the alleged perpetrator.
The General further indicated the SAPS regard incidents of such nature in a serious light and police will continue to ensure that children are protected from perpetrators of Gender-Based-Violence.
According to the General, the victimization of children are definitely signs of moral decay in the society.
