Swift action by community members and local authorities resulted in the apprehension of two men in connection with the alleged rape of a five-year-old girl in Mgababa, Eastern Cape, on Monday.
Eastern Cape police arrest two men for alleged rape of minor
In a statement, provincial police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu revealed the incident allegedly took place during a traditional ceremony, that the child was attending with her family.
Alarm bells rang off when the mother realised her daughter was missing at around 15:00.
Much to her relief, the child returned at approximately 15:40, but her dejected demeanour raised suspicion.
Subsequent questioning revealed that she had allegedly been taken to a secluded area in Prudhoe Village and subjected to the most horrific ordeal.
The mother wasted no time in reporting the matter to local authorities, who sprang into action.
With the help of vigilant community members, the first suspect, a 21-year-old male, was arrested at his residence in Prudhoe Village around 20:00. Shortly thereafter, the second suspect, aged 38, was also apprehended at his house in the same village.
The Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit in Peddie has since taken charge of the investigation into the harrowing rape case.
Moreover, Col. Naidu confirmed the two suspects also face charges related to assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and abduction.
While details about the alleged rape remain sketchy, these charges reflect the severity of the alleged crimes committed against the young victim.
Both suspects are scheduled to appear before the Peddie magistrate court on Wednesday, 14 June 2023.
This is a developing story.