18-year-old caught raping 3-year-old child
A 18-year-old male has been arrested. In a deeply distressing incident the suspect was caught in the act of sexually assaulting a 3-year-old child. The suspects will remain in custody pending further investigations.
The 18-year-old accused made an appearance at the Kroonstad Magistrate Court on Thursday, August 10, 2023 in the Kroonstad area. His is facing charges of both rape and kidnapping of the 3-year-old girl.
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On Tuesday, August 8, 2023, the Kroonstad South African Police Service (SAPS) received a distressing report of a sexual assault that occurred near the Marabastad section of Kroonstad. Police officers quickly responded to the scene, where they confronted a group of people beating a partially naked man.
According to statements provided to the police by two teenagers, they had been gathering firewood when they were heard a crying child. Moved by concern, they approached the source of the distress and discovered the suspect in the midst of the heinous act within a large drainpipe.
Swift action was taken as they alerted the community for help and swiftly contacted the police. The accused was arrested on-site, and the young victim was immediately transported to Boitumelo Hospital for a thorough medical examination.
The accused was subsequently brought before the Kroonstad Magistrate Court. The proceedings have been postponed to August 17, 2023, for bail application.