MOPANI DISTRICT – A 49-year-old man was arrested in Mavele Village on Monday, 22 June 2026, in connection with the alleged rape of a 17-year-old mentally challenged male in the Letsitele area.
The incident was discovered on Sunday, 21 June 2026, when the victim’s mother noticed he was having difficulty walking and complaining of pain and discomfort. Upon questioning, the teenager disclosed that he had been raped by a male suspect on multiple occasions over the previous week.
The victim’s mother subsequently took him to a local clinic for a medical examination and reported the incident to the police, resulting in the opening of a rape case.
Police investigations led to the suspect’s arrest at Mavele Village on 22 June 2026. The matter is currently being handled by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit in Tzaneen.
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Nkowankowa (Ritavi) Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, facing a charge of rape. Police investigations into the matter remain ongoing.