Toddler raped: Half-brother denied bail by Limpopo court
The 17-year-old was arrested on Sunday hours after the victim was reportedly found in his room
LIMPOPO – A 17-year-old boy, charged with the rape of a three-year-old girl, was denied bail by the Malamulele Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 18 August.
The incident happened at Mashobye village outside Malamulele on Sunday. The teenager is said to be the half-brother of the victim.
Police Spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo said it is allaged the child was playing outside with her friends when she disappeared for a while. “The mother was looking for the victim around the yard, when she found her inside her brother’s room. She immediately became suspicious when looking at the baby and started questioning the brother, fearing the worst might have happened to the child.”
Mojapelo said the police were called and the child was taken to a local hospital for medical examinations where it was confirmed that she was indeed raped. He was then arrested.
The accused is expected to appear again in the same court on Thursday, 20 August on a charge of rape. Police investigations still continue, he added.
This incident was condemned by the police as well as the MEC for Social Development, Nkakareng Rakgoale.
“What happened at Mashobye village is inhumane. The fact that the toddler was allegedly violated by someone who is supposed to protect her is disgusting, ” said Rakgoale.
She called on parents and care-givers to be vigilant, and ensure that they know the whereabouts of their child at all times. “The department has since dispatched social workers to the area to ensure that all necessary support is provided for the victim and all affected parties.”
She concluded that the department will help to prepare the family so that they can be able to stand in court to testify against the suspect.
