Limpopo rape cases intensified this week after a 24-year-old woman appeared in the Musina Magistrate’s Court, accused of raping a 13-year-old boy at a local church shelter. Police said detectives from the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit arrested her on Friday. The matter was postponed to Tuesday for profiling and further investigation.
According to provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the boy was allegedly called over near a crèche inside the shelter. where the woman then assaulted him; a resident reportedly witnessed the incident and alerted the caretaker, who in turn notified police.
Mother Accused of Concealing Daughter’s Rape
Separately, an 18-year-old man and his 35-year-old mother will appear in the Letsitele Magistrate’s Court. The teen remains in custody on a rape charge after his nine-year-old sister told community members he assaulted her at their home in Lwandlamuni village. Police later arrested the mother for failing to report the crime.
Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said concerned residents brought both the child and the suspect to the N’wa Mitwa satellite police station. The case was transferred to the Tzaneen FCS unit for further investigation.
Police urge swift reporting
Meanwhile, Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe praised the community for acting quickly. He urges residents to keep speaking out against violence and to support survivors in seeking justice. Her call underscores why reporting remains vital as Limpopo rape cases move through the courts.
