Limpopo has seen a rise in rape cases involving minors as both victims and perpetrators.These disturbing events not only reflect a dire need for societal introspection but also call for an immediate and unified response to combat such heinous acts, that is according to the Limpopo SAPS Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.
Hadebe said these disturbing events not only reflect a dire need for societal introspection but also call for an immediate and unified response to combat such heinous acts.
SAPS spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said during the latest incident occurred on Thursday, 14 March in Topanama village, where a six-year-old girl was sexual assaulted by nine-year-old twins.
"The boys are neighbours residing next door. The victim's mother found out about the matter after the little girl confided in her. She told her that she was assaulted by the two boys during play," said Ledwaba.
He said The second incident took place on Friday, 15 March in Makhushane village where a five-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped by five minor boys, including her biological brother(11).
"The children aged between 10 and 11 are all the friends of the victim's brother. The mother became aware of the incident after the girl confided in her elder cousin and she immediately alerted her mother, who was at work at the time. She then rushed back home,"said Ledwaba.
Hadebe emphasised the critical role of parents and guardians in fostering environments where children are educated on respect, consent and the importance of protecting one another from harm. "It is imperative that we, as a society, instil values of empathy and understanding in our children. The home should be the first classroom where lessons of dignity and respect are taught," the Commissioner stated adding that, "We cannot turn a blind eye to these disturbing incidents. It is the duty of every citizen to act against violence and abuse. Let us unite in protecting our children and building a safer, more compassionate society for all," Hadebe.
All these cases were transferred to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for thorough investigations with the intervention of the probation officer.