Police in Limpopo have arrested an 18-year-old Grade 12 learner from Komaneng Village, after he allegedly raped a 15-year-old girl.
The incident reportedly occurred in December 2025, when the suspect was 17.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the victim initially did not report the incident due to fear.
“It was only after her mother noticed sudden changes in her behaviour and discovered that she was pregnant that a case was opened. The girl reportedly told authorities that the suspect had dragged her to a shack, where the rape incident occurred.” he said.
Ledwaba added that on January 27, the Mankweng Task Team and the Polokwane Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit conducted an intelligence-led operation, which led to the suspect’s arrest.
“Following consultation with the Senior Public Prosecutor, the suspect was charged and released into parental custody pending a social worker assessment ahead of his court appearance in Mankweng Magistrate’s Court,” he added.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, Provincial Commissioner of SAPS Limpopo, praised the investigative team’s swift action.
“The protection of our children is paramount. I commend the mother’s courage in reporting this matter and urge communities to break the silence and report such crimes immediately,” she said.
Police investigations are ongoing.
The Star
masabata.mkwanazi@inl.co.za