A 25-year-old male suspect is set to appear before the Phalala Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 22 May 2025, facing charges of rape after allegedly sexually assaulting his girlfriend’s seven-year-old daughter.
The incident reportedly occurred on 26 January 2025 at approximately 22:00 in Kaoletse village, within the Witpoot policing area near Lephalale. According to police reports, the suspect, the victim’s mother, and a relative had left the victim and her siblings at the relative’s house while they visited a local tavern.
It is alleged that the suspect later left the tavern unnoticed and forcibly entered the house where the children were alone. He then proceeded to rape the seven-year-old girl. When the relative returned, she found the child awake and sitting in the dark. The victim subsequently disclosed the assault.
A case was immediately opened, but the suspect had already fled the area. Following an extensive investigation, a joint operation by Waterberg District and Lephalale Detectives, along with members of the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS), led to the suspect’s arrest. The intelligence-driven operation culminated in his apprehension in the same area on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, at around 01:00.
The suspect remains in custody pending his court appearance. Authorities have commended the collaborative efforts of the investigative teams in ensuring the arrest. Further updates are expected as the case proceeds.