Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offenses Unit in Giyani is actively pursuing an unidentified suspect following the disturbing rape of an 11-year-old girl on 25 February 2024 at about 20:00, in Shawela Village, within the Giyani policing area under the Mopani District.
According to reports, the young victim had attended a church service in the company of her grandmother but returned home earlier in the day leaving her grandmother behind. Upon the elderly woman's return later in the afternoon, she discovered that the child was not at home. Subsequently, she left to attend to errands, and upon her return, found the victim back home but unaware of any wrongdoing.
The harrowing truth came to light three days later on 28 February 2024, when the grandmother was deeply shocked to find the child watching a distressing video on a cellphone depicting her own rape by an unknown perpetrator. It was then that the victim disclosed to her grandmother that she had been raped while asleep at home on the day she returned from church.
The incident was promptly reported to the police, leading to the initiation of a rape case.
Preliminary investigations have uncovered that the video capturing the heinous act was recorded using the grandmother's phone. The circumstances surrounding the recording remain unclear, prompting ongoing inquiries into the matter.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has unequivocally condemned this abhorrent crime that has exposed a minor to such unspeakable violence.
The SAPS remains steadfast in its commitment to apprehending the perpetrator responsible for this reprehensible act and ensuring justice for the young victim.
Police appeal to anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspect to contact Investigating Officer Sergeant Maropeng Mashapa on 083 503 9325 or Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or nearest police station or MySAPS App.
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