Teen allegedly rapes six-year-old cousin
There has been an exponential increase in reported cases of abuse against children since the onset of Covid-19 in March.
The horrendous act committed by a 13-year-old boy against a six-year-old child again placed the spotlight on the abuse of women and children in town.
There has been an exponential increase in reported cases of abuse against children since the onset of Covid-19 in March. These have increased in town and now seem to also have an impact on young kids.
The increase in child abuse cases captured the attention of the cabinet, which approved an inter-agency programme to prevent and respond to gender-based violence in the context of the pandemic. Capt Alfred Moela, the SAPS’ spokesperson in Lydenburg, confirmed an incident in which a teenager raped a six-year-old.
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“The mother of the victim alleged that on September 9, she was bathing her daughter when the child complained about pain in her vaginal area. At that time, the mother didn’t take it seriously. On September 23, however, the victim again informed her mother of the pain. She then checked the child’s underwear and noticed a discharge.”
Moela said upon questioning the victim about what had happened, she told her mother that she had been raped by her 13-year-old cousin.
“The incident happened in the presence of the suspect’s nine-year-old sister. She allegedly told her brother to stop what he was doing to the child, threatening to report him to their parents,” Moela said.
The victim informed her mother that the suspect also threatened to assault both her and his sister and if they were to tell the parents what happened.
“The child, however, chose to disclose the information to the mother and the incident was immediately reported to the police. A rape case was subsequently opened. The victim was taken to the hospital for examination and the probation officer will follow up after the doctor’s report has been disclosed,” Moela said.
No arrest has been made. The investigating officer is Det Sgt Gabisile Seopao.
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