LIMPOPO- Police in Giyani have arrested a 24-year-old local pastor for raping a 16-year-old girl. The victim, who is from a village outside Giyani, was allegedly raped by her two church pastors between October 2018 and February 2019, says police spokepserson, Col Moatshe Ngoepe.
‘The incidents were reported to the police who began with initial investigations and the suspect was arrested. The second suspect was identified but he has since disappeared after realizing he is sought by police,” he explained.
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Preliminary police investigations revealed that the two suspects allegedly raped the victim in separate incidents, on different days, at several places.
Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba, has condemned ongoing sexual offences acts perpetrated against women and children in parts of the province.
“Communities, especially parents, are advised and encouraged to strengthen child safety at all times to prevent or avoid these types of incidents from occuring,” Ledwaba said.
The arrested suspect will appear before the Giyani Magistrates Court tomorrow, 8 March on a charge of rape.
“A manhunt for the second suspect, who is in his thirties, is still underway. Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of this suspect may contact Colonel Chris Mabasa at 082 469 0739; the crime stop number 0860010111; the crime line SMS 32211 or the nearest police station,” Ngoepe concluded.
