By Kopano Dibakwane
A 34 year-old woman appeared before the Middleburg Magistrate’s Court after she was arrested for allegedly raping a 12 year-old boy in Mhluzi, near Middleburg.
According to a report released by Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, it revealed that the incident took place while the minor was visiting his grandmother.
“ The suspect allegedly grabbed the victim and forced herself on him. She was traced and apprehended on 8 April,” said Mdhluli.
The suspect will make a second appearance at the same Magistrate’s Court for a formal bail application on 16 April and she was remanded in custody.
In another incident, a female victim was reportedly raped in Lydenburg while on her way home in the early hours of Monday morning 8 April.
The victim was allegedly grabbed by the suspect who pressed a cloth against her mouth and nose until she passed out.
Colonel Mdhluli said that she was allegedly raped after she regained consciousness.
“ A rape case was opened and the suspect is still at large, however, the FSC members are working hard to trace him,” said Mdhluli.
Mpumalanga Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt-General Semakaleng Manamela, has vehemently condemned all forms of Gender-Based-Violence and she commended members of the South African Police Service(SAPS) for swiftly arresting the alleged perpetrators.
She furthermore promised that the police will work tirelessly to apprehend the outstanding suspect, who is reportedly still in hiding.
