Limpopo Police Investigate Viral Jane Furse Rape Claims, Find No Reported Case
A disturbing social media video alleging that a six-year-old girl was raped by a scholar transport driver in Jane Furse has sparked widespread outrage across South Africa. However, after an extensive police investigation, Limpopo police say they have found no evidence that the alleged crime was ever reported or that the alleged victims can be identified.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers, has sharply criticised the growing trend of people sharing unverified criminal allegations online instead of reporting them directly to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
According to police, the viral video claimed that a young girl had been raped in one of the villages near Jane Furse by a scholar transport driver. The footage also alleged that SAPS had refused to open a criminal case and that the child and her family were being threatened by the suspect and his relatives.
The allegations quickly gained traction on social media, prompting concern among members of the public and triggering an urgent police response.
Police said officers immediately launched enquiries in the Jane Furse policing area. Investigators visited the relevant police station and conducted checks at the schools allegedly attended by the victim and her sister, who was reportedly linked to the TikTok posts.
Despite these efforts, investigators were unable to identify the alleged victims, verify the claims made in the video, or establish that a criminal case matching the allegations had ever been reported to SAPS.
Major General Scheepers warned that circulating unverified allegations can have serious consequences, including creating unnecessary panic, spreading misinformation and damaging public confidence in the criminal justice system.
He stressed that victims of rape, gender based violence and other serious crimes should report incidents directly to the police without delay so that investigations can begin immediately.
“We encourage all victims to report crimes directly to the police. Failure to report offenders allows perpetrators to remain at large and increases the risk of them committing further crimes. Open a case and allow the police to investigate,” Scheepers said.
He also emphasised that SAPS officers are trained to deal professionally and sensitively with reports of rape and other serious offences.
Scheepers added that police officers are not permitted to refuse to register a criminal case. Where a reported matter does not amount to a criminal offence, complainants will be informed accordingly, and the matter will still be properly recorded in police records.
While police say they have found no evidence supporting the allegations circulating online, they have appealed to anyone who may have information about the alleged incident or the people involved to come forward.
The case highlights the growing challenge authorities face as serious criminal allegations spread rapidly across social media before they can be verified. Police maintain that while every allegation of rape must be treated with urgency and compassion, investigations depend on incidents being formally reported so that evidence can be gathered and victims receive the protection and support they need.
