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Limpopo police arrested a 58-year-old councilor in the village of Mokwakwaila on the outskirts of Modjadjiskloof for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl.
Police spokeswoman Brig Motlafela Mojapelo said the man was arrested Saturday night and would appear in Bolobedu magistrates court on Monday.
According to Mojapelo, the neighborhood councilor offered to take the minor on Thursday around noon.
“The suspect then drove into the bushes next to the village of Rampepe, where he allegedly raped the girl. Later, he reportedly took her home, gave her money and a cell phone, and told her not to tell anyone, ”Mojapelo said.
Mojapelo said that when the girl was questioned by her mother about the cell phone, she began to cry and then told him what happened. The matter was then reported to the police and a case was opened.
Limpopo Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Nneke Ledwaba condemned the incident and praised the police for the speedy arrest.
“As the country continues to fight the scourge of gender-based violence, it is concerning that even some leaders of society, who are supposed to support the police in this fight, are also arrested for rape,” Ledwaba said.
Limpopo Social Development MEC Nkakareng Rakgoale has praised the girl’s parents for breaking the silence despite the suspect’s alleged attempt to use gifts to appease her.
“It is very sad to see a leader of the society accused of raping a minor. As a department entrusted with the responsibility of caring for vulnerable people in our society, we are concerned that men will take advantage of girls and destroy their bright future, ”he said.
The social development department said it sent a team of social workers to provide psychosocial support to the victim and her family.
“We once again ask the courts not to grant bail to perpetrators of gender-based violence to show that the government is determined in its fight against attacks against women and children,” Rakgoale said.
