A 66-year-old man appeared in the Morebeng Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo for allegedly raping a three-year-old child.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the suspect, Selaelo Justice Mongalo, was arrested by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit in Polokwane on Monday, 29 September 2025, and appeared in court on 1 October.
Ledwaba explained that on 25 September, at around 18:30, Mongalo, a crèche transport driver and husband of the crèche owner, dropped the child off late. Shortly afterwards, the child appeared restless and complained of pain. Her guardian immediately took her to a medical facility, where it was confirmed that the child had been raped.
“A case of rape was initially reported at Botlokwa SAPS and later transferred to the Polokwane FCS Unit for further investigation and handling,” Ledwaba added.
MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Violet Mathye, and Limpopo Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, expressed outrage and disappointment over the incident.
Mathye stressed the need for vigilance, calling for thorough background checks and ongoing monitoring of anyone responsible for transporting children.
“We must ensure that those entrusted with the care and transportation of our children undergo thorough background checks and are continuously monitored.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms this despicable act of violence against a defenceless child. When violence is inflicted upon a child, it is not just an attack on the individual; it is an assault on the very fabric of our society.”
Hadebe praised the FCS Unit’s swift action, pledging a thorough investigation, full accountability for the perpetrator, and ongoing support for the victim to prevent future harm.
“I commend the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for their swift and professional response in apprehending the suspect. We will ensure a thorough investigation, the perpetrator is held accountable, and the victim is supported and protected at every step. Only through a relentless pursuit of justice can we begin to heal the scars of violence and ensure that no child ever faces such suffering again.”
Police say the investigation is ongoing. The suspect has been remanded in custody until Wednesday, 8 October 2025, for a formal bail hearing.
Dr Shaheda Omar, director of the Teddy Bear Foundation and clinical director, said that sexual assault can have severe and lasting effects on a child’s physical and mental well-being, making immediate psychological and medical care, along with emotional safeguarding, essential.
She added that immediate interventions must prioritise urgent medical care to treat injuries and collect forensic evidence, alongside trauma-informed psychological support and safe reporting through child advocacy centres.
Omar emphasised that long-term recovery requires consistent therapy, parental guidance, and educational assistance, while organisations play a vital role by providing legal aid, caregiver training, and peer support networks.
“Addressing both the immediate and long-term needs of a child survivor is crucial to protect their well-being and help them heal safely.”
She further stressed that safeguarding children during crèche transport demands rigorous staff vetting, ongoing training, safe vehicles with GPS tracking, and strict transport policies. Strong oversight through parental involvement, reporting channels, police vetting, inspections, and technology is vital. While gender may affect parental comfort, professionalism, accountability, and transparency are the real safeguards.
The Star
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