A member of Correctional Services and stepfather has been arrested for the alleged rape of his 14-year-old stepdaughter in Lulekani, outside Phalaborwa. The biological mother of the victim was also arrested as information suggests that the woman helped her lover rape the teenager. 

The couple appeared on court and were both granted bail on Monday. The identity of the suspects cannot be disclosed in order to protect the victim.

AN ACT OF EVIL 

SAPS spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the incident happened on the 24th of September at their home.The couple was arrested after the victim reported the matter to the police and a case of rape was opened which was then transferred to the Phalaborwa Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for further investigation. 

"The victim?s stepfather, 42, who is a Department of Correctional Services Official, as well as the minor's mother, 46, reportedly assisted each other to commit the crime. It is alleged that when the victim refused to sleep with her stepfather, both suspects assaulted her and forcibly took her to the bedroom where the perpetrator raped her while her own mother pinned her down,"said Ledwaba.

Ledwaba said the couple was arrested at their home on Monday 25 September. 

SHAMEFUL AND DISTURBING

The man was charged with rape and the mother faces charges of having been an accomplice in the rape case. 

Ledwaba said the suspects made their first court appearance on Tuesday 26 September and were remanded in custody until they were each granted R2000 bail when they appeared again before the Lulekani Magistrates Court on Monday.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has strongly condemned an incident 

"The alleged behaviour of the parents against their own child is very shameful and disturbing. 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 the responsible future parents. All the children deserve to be protected and never be abused by anyone, including their parents ," concluded Lieutenant General Hadebe. 

Their case has been postponed to the 24th of November for further investigations.