42-YEAR-OLD SUSPECT ARRESTED FOR RAPING SIX-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN RITAVI
RITAVI – Police Detectives in the Tzaneen Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit arrested a 42-year-old suspect in connection with the rape of a six-year-old girl in the Ritavi policing area on Sunday.
It is alleged that on 18 July 2026, at about 20:30, the minor was in the company of another child at a family gathering near their home when a known male neighbour asked the children to accompany him to his residence to collect a jacket.
When the other child returned alone, family members went to check on the minor and found her partially undressed at the suspect’s home.
The child informed the family about the incident that had just transpired, and they immediately reported the matter to police. A case of rape was opened.
The victim was taken to a local hospital for medical examination.
Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit members were notified and assisted with the investigation, leading to the suspect’s arrest.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers, has strongly condemned the incident and further applauded communities for being vigilant and acting swiftly to ensure that they report the suspect for his heinous act of despicable crime. ” I call upon the parents or guardians to at all times ensure that they do not lose sight of the young ones,” Concluded General Scheepers.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Ritavi Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 21 July 2026.
Police investigations are continuing.
