Eight-year-old boy raped at a place of safety

The South African Police Service ( SAPS) in Modimolle under Waterberg District arrested a 34-year-old male suspect. He was arrested on Wednesday 21 June 2023, for the alleged rape of an eight-year-old boy. The incident is said to have happened between 1 June 2022 and 26 May 2023.

According to reports, police received a complaint on 03 May 2023 from the Principal of a Primary School in Modimolle. It was about a Grade 1 learner who was living in an unhygienic condition. They were also informed that the mother was told to improve the living conditions of the child which were not adhered to their satisfaction.

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Unfortunately, on 26 May 2023, the minor was removed from his mother’s care. He was then placed in a place of safety at Children’s Home in Modimolle. This is where he was later allegedly taken for medical examination because he displayed symptoms of sexual abuse.

On Tuesday, 20 June 2023, Police further conducted a forensic assessment that proved beyond reasonable doubt that the child was raped on several occasions.

Police investigations immediately commenced and a 34-year-old male suspect was nabbed in the Modimolle Policing precinct. His arrest is in connection with the alleged rape of the eight-year-old boy.

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The suspect was expected to appear before the Modimolle Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 22 June 2023. He is facing a charge of rape.

The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe applauded the Investigation team members for their determination in the investigation which resulted in the arrest of the suspect.

Police investigations are continuing. It is highly possible that it is not the first time the suspect does this. A full investigation into his other possible victims should be conducted.

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