Speedy response by community members and police led to the arrest of two suspects for the alleged rape of a 5-year-old girl from Mgababa location yesterday afternoon, 11 June 2023.

It is alleged that the child was with family at a traditional ceremony and at 15:00, the mother started looking for her daughter as she could not find her. At about 15:40 the child returned and her mother noticed that she was not looking well. After questioning the child, it was established that she was taken into the bushes at Prudhoe Village by the suspects and allegedly raped.

The matter was immediately reported to police. At about 20:00, the 21-year-old suspect was arrested by the community at his house in Prudhoe Village. Shortly after his arrest, police arrested the second suspect, 38-years-old, also at his house in Prudhoe Village.

The Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit in Peddie are investigating cases of rape, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and abduction.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Peddie magistrate court on Wednesday, 14 June 2023.

Source: South African Police Service