Two Parents have been arrested after a 14-year-old girl was allegedly raped by her stepfather at Lulekani outside Phalaborwa in Limpopo. The incident took place on 24 September 2023.

The victim’s stepfather, 42, who is a Department of Correctional Services Official, as well as the minor’s mother, 46, who reportedly assisted the perpetrator in committing the crime. They were arrested at their home on Monday 25 September.

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The couple was arrested after the victim reported the matter to the Police and the case of rape was opened. It was then transferred to the Phalaborwa Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for further investigation.

It is alleged that when the victim refused to sleep with her stepfather, both suspects assaulted her and forcibly took her to the bedroom. The perpetrator raped her while her own mother pinned her down.

The suspects made their first court appearance on Tuesday 26 September. They were remanded in custody until they were each granted R 2000 bail when they appeared again before the Lulekani Magistrate’s Court on Monday 02 October.

Their case was postponed until 24 November 2023 for further police investigations. The man was charged with rape and the mother faces charges of having been an accomplice in the rape case. The identity of the suspects cannot be disclosed in order to protect the victim.

SHOCK AS PHALABORWA PARENTS ARE ARRESTED FOR RAPE OF THEIR CHILD

Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has strongly condemned the incident.

“The alleged behaviour of the parents against their own child is very shameful and disturbing,” she said.

“Parents and guardians are tasked with the huge responsibility to raise their children in a respectful and responsible manner. So that they in turn grow to be responsible future parents. All the children deserve to be protected and never be abused by anyone, including their parents,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.