Limpopo Police Nab Suspect in Statutory Rape Cases Involving Two Teenage Girls
Limpopo – A 19-year-old man has been arrested in connection with two statutory rape cases involving a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old girl from the Marapong location, following an investigation triggered by the girls' pregnancy declarations at a local hospital. The Lephalale Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) led the hunt for the suspect, who attempted to evade arrest by going into hiding.
The investigation began on Monday, 18 December 2025, when a 14-year-old girl sought medical attention at a local hospital. Healthcare workers, upon examination, confirmed that she was pregnant. On the same day, a 15-year-old girl, also from the Marapong location, visited the same hospital and received a similar diagnosis.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba stated that investigators quickly established a link between the two cases, discovering that a 19-year-old man was allegedly responsible for both pregnancies. "Investigators found that a 19-year-old man had allegedly impregnated two minor girls," Ledwaba confirmed.
Upon learning that the police were searching for him, the suspect went into hiding in an attempt to avoid arrest. However, his efforts proved futile.
"The suspect’s luck ran out on Tuesday, 30 December 2025, when he was traced and placed under arrest while at his hideout in Makopa farm under the Thabazimbi policing area," Ledwaba explained.
Prior to the arrest, the victims’ guardians were advised to report the matter to the police. Subsequently, two statutory rape cases were opened against the suspect. The police investigation is ongoing.
In a separate incident, police in Lebowakgomo have arrested another 19-year-old suspect for the alleged rape of two young children, a seven-year-old girl and a nine-year-old boy, at Makotse Newstand.
According to reports, the victims were playing with friends at a neighbour’s home when the suspect lured them to his residence. "According to reports, the victims were playing with their friends at their neighbour’s place when the suspect lured them to his place of residence," Ledwaba said.
The suspect allegedly showed the children pornographic images and then raped them upon their arrival at his home. "It is alleged that the guardian noticed that the victims were missing. She became suspicious and searched for them at their neighbour’s homestead," Ledwaba added. "She found the victims crying, and when she asked what happened, she was informed that the suspect had already raped the two victims."
The guardian immediately took the children and the alleged rape suspect to the police station’s client service centre (CSC), where a rape case was opened, and the suspect was promptly arrested.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has strongly condemned both incidents.
"Anyone perpetuating gender-based violence against the vulnerable group should be firmly dealt with in terms of the law," Hadebe stated, emphasising the police's commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society and ensuring that perpetrators of such heinous crimes are brought to justice.
These arrests highlight the ongoing battle against gender-based violence and crimes against children in Limpopo. The police are urging communities to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of abuse or exploitation. The investigations into both cases are continuing, and the suspects are expected to appear in court soon. The SAPS is determined to ensure that justice is served and that those responsible for these appalling acts are held accountable.
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